This August, in observance of National Breastfeeding Month, New Mexico aligns with the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action's (WABA) theme, promoting comprehensive breastfeeding support that covers needs and rights throughout the childbirth journey to provide an optimal environment for breastfeeding for all parents, a press release reported. The New Mexico Department of Health (DOH) and the Women, Infant and Children (WIC) program collaborate throughout the year to assist working families, particularly in addressing the breastfeeding needs of new parents and infants.
"National Breastfeeding Month is a time to remember that every parent should have the best support for breastfeeding," Deputy Cabinet Secretary Laura Parajón said.
A social media campaign was launched by the DOH and the WIC program that highlights WIC's diverse array of breastfeeding support services. These services encompass virtual and in-person educational sessions, guidance from peer counselors, provision of evidence-based resources and facilitation of breast pump access, according to the press release.
"By working together with the New Mexico WIC program and the DOH, we're making sure families can easily get trustworthy advice, expert help with breastfeeding and other important resources," Parajón said.
WIC goes the extra mile in providing specialized breastfeeding aid, utilizing skilled designated breastfeeding specialists who are WIC nutritionists holding qualifications as international board-certified lactation consultants or certified lactation counselors. The campaign underlines the array of resources accessible through WIC, encompassing educational materials, nutritious foods, farmers markets and breastfeeding guidance. Furthermore, the New Mexico Breastfeeding Taskforce's website serves as a hub for a comprehensive range of resources, offering valuable education and support to those in search of lactation assistance, the release reported.