MOUNT VERNON — The Ohio Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program offers breastfeeding support to Ohio families by providing prenatal education as well as appointments with lactation professionals.

Breastfeeding is widely accepted as an effective strategy to promote positive health outcomes for both mothers and their babies.

Research has shown that breastfeeding is a key factor in reducing risk of disease for both mothers and infants, including respiratory illness, ear infections, allergies, and some cancers.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the World Health Organization (WHO) recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life and continued breastfeeding with the addition of appropriate complementary foods for 2 years or longer.

This year, Knox County will adopt the World Breastfeeding theme “Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works.”

Communities play a vital role in helping parents reach these breastfeeding recommendations by providing education and support at the most crucial times in the perinatal period.

One of the most important ways businesses and communities can support breastfeeding is to help parents feel comfortable nursing in public.

How businesses can help

Businesses can show their support by placing a universal sign for breastfeeding support in their windows and educate their staff about the acceptance of Ohio law (Section 3781.55 of the Ohio Revised Code), which allows breastfeeding in public.

Businesses also have access to The Ohio Workplace PLUS Toolkit, which can help with supporting their employees and providing a private space (other than a bathroom) to pump. This will help increase employee retention and reduce medical costs.

Childcare centers have access to training materials and can learn more about obtaining a breastfeeding friendly designation. These programs play an important role in supporting breastfeeding mothers and their infants by welcoming breastfeeding mothers and making sure staff members are trained to handle breast milk and follow mothers’ feeding plans.

Hospitals also can join the Ohio First Steps for Healthy Babies initiative as an indication that they are dedicated to supporting new mothers who choose to breastfeed.

Learn more about these initiatives and resources at https://odh.ohio.gov/know-ourprograms/Breastfeeding. For more information about breastfeeding, call Knox Public Health WIC office at 740.392.2200 Option 4, or the Ohio Statewide Breastfeeding Hotline at 1-888-588-3423.