Photo: Samuel Lee/Pixabay
by Sentinel News Service
CHAMPAIGN - Every August, communities across the United States come together to celebrate
National Breastfeeding Month, a time dedicated to promoting the benefits and importance of breastfeeding. This month-long observance aims to raise awareness, provide education, and encourage support for breastfeeding mothers and their families.
In conjunction with National Breastfeeding Month, the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District (CUPHD) announced its third annual breastfeeding supplies drive. Building upon their past success the drive will take place during the entire month of August.
Sarah Chai/PEXELS
The donated supplies will be given to parents enrolled in the WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Program. This program offers support to expectant and postpartum parents, helping them learn about breastfeeding and overcome any obstacles they may encounter in achieving their individual breastfeeding goals.
The WIC program's mission is to safeguard the health of low-income pregnant women, new mothers, breastfeeding women, infants, and children up to age five who are at nutritional risk. It provides nutritious food to improve diets, offers education on healthy eating and breastfeeding, and connects participants to healthcare services.
National Breastfeeding Month was established in 2011 by the United States Breastfeeding Committee (USBC) to align with
World Breastfeeding Week, which takes place during the first week of August. The initiative was created to bring greater attention to breastfeeding as a key component of public health and to advocate for policies that support breastfeeding mothers. The month-long celebration serves as a platform to highlight the critical role that breastfeeding plays in the health and well-being of both mothers and infants.
Breastfeeding provides numerous benefits for both mothers and their babies. For infants, breast milk is a complete source of nutrition that contains antibodies, enzymes, and hormones crucial for their development. It helps
protect against infections, reduces the risk of chronic conditions, and promotes a healthy weight. For mothers, breastfeeding can lower the risk of certain cancers, aid in postpartum recovery, and strengthen the bond with their baby. Additionally, breastfeeding has economic benefits, reducing the need for formula and healthcare costs associated with treating illnesses.
Through the breastfeeding supplies drive, CUPHD hopes to support WIC families by providing them with the supplies they need to breastfeed longer to meet their breastfeeding goals and improve their infant's health.
Items needed include nursing pads, pillows, and covers; breast milk storage bags; electric and manual breast pumps; and breast pump accessories. All items must be received new and sealed in their original packaging.
Photo: Brytny.com/Unsplash
National Breastfeeding Month is a vital initiative that brings attention to the importance of breastfeeding for maternal and infant health. By participating in this celebration, individuals and organizations can help
create a supportive environment that empowers mothers and promotes the well-being of future generations.
A curated Amazon wish list is available for virtual donations. Donated items will be sent directly to CUPHD to distribute to clients enrolled in the Breastfeeding Peer Counselor program. Donations from this list can be made year-round.
Products can also be donated in person at CUPHD, August 1-31, at the WIC intake window inside the CUPHD main lobby.
Ways to donate:
Online: Amazon wish list
The wish list will remain open year-round, 24/7.
In-person:
- CUPHD Champaign WIC desk (201 West Kenyon Road, Champaign): Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m.—noon, 1:00 p.m.—4:30 p.m.
- CUPHD Rantoul WIC desk (520 East Wabash Avenue, #2, Rantoul): Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday, 8:30 a.m.—noon, 1:00 p.m.—4:30 p.m.
- Orchard Downs clinic (2040 South Orchard Street, Unit 2040-A, Urbana): Thursday, 8:30 a.m.—noon, 1:00 p.m.—4:30 p.m.
Urbana Farmers Market WIC booth
Saturday, August 24, 7:00 a.m.—noon
Come celebrate National Breastfeeding Month with breastfeeding-related games, giveaways, information about WIC and breastfeeding laws, and more!
Any family in need residing in the Unit 7 school district is encouraged to visit The Giving Place Wednesdays from 4:00 – 6:00. TGP is located at 113 N Bourne in Tolono.
This week, the organization served seven families, which included 18 adults and seven children, with eight boxes of food totalling $400.
Williams said the ministry will continue for as long as they are able to do so and thanked those who donated items throughout the year.
Donated items and food may be dropped off every Wednesday between 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. or every first Saturday between 9:00 a.m. - Noon. TGP asks that donation not be left outside the building during closed hours.
Proceeds from the event will be donated to the fine arts program at the high school.
"Bring your family, your requests, and your wallets and let's pack the place for the SJO Fine Arts!" organizers 
