As part of a “National Breastfeeding Month” program, the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District will host its second annual breastfeeding supplies drive. 

The drive will distribute supplies to parents enrolled in the WIC breastfeeding peer counselor program throughout the month of August. According to a statement from CUPHD, “this program provides support to expectant and postpartum parents to help them learn about breastfeeding and overcome obstacles they may face on their journey to accomplish individual breastfeeding goals.”

According to CDC research referenced in the CUPHD statement, 84.9% of newborns in Illinois in 2019 were breastfed at least once. In the same study, the CDC found that at six months, “only 58.7% continued to breastfeed, with less than half of those babies being exclusively breastfed.” 

“Through the breastfeeding supplies drive, CUPHD hopes to support WIC families by providing them with the supplies they need to breastfeed longer,” the statement said. “This will help empower them to meet their breastfeeding goals and improve their family’s health.”

The American Association of Pediatrics recommends continuing to breastfeed up to and including two years, or as long as is mutually beneficial to the child and their family.

“Breastfeeding has short and long-term health benefits for both mom and baby,” the statement said. “Breastfed babies get sick less often and have a reduced risk of asthma, eczema, ear infections, lower respiratory infections, diarrhea, vomiting, childhood obesity, childhood leukemia, type 2 diabetes, necrotizing enterocolitis, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).” 

CUPHD is asking for donations of items including nursing pads and pillows, breast milk storage bags, breast pumps and self care supplies.

Those interested in donating to this program can drop off supplies at the WIC intake window inside of the CUPHD main lobby, online at their Amazon wishlist, at the Urbana Farmers’ Market on August 5 and at the Champaign Farmers’ Market on August 8.

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