August is National Breastfeeding Month

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 31, 2024

Contact
Jennifer Lotton, Breastfeeding Program Coordinator
217-531-4319 / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Tanya Giannotti, Public Relations
217-531-2925 / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

August is National Breastfeeding Month

Third Annual Breastfeeding Supplies Drive to Take Place the Entire Month of August.

CHAMPAIGN, IL - In conjunction with National Breastfeeding Month, the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District (CUPHD) is pleased to announce the third annual breastfeeding supplies drive. Building upon past success, the drive takes place during the entire month of August. Supplies donated will be distributed to parents enrolled in the WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Program. 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.

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

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) aims to protect the health of low-income pregnant women, new mothers, breastfeeding women, infants, and children up to the age of five who are at nutritional risk. It offers nutritious food to enhance diets, provides education on healthy eating and breastfeeding, and offers referrals to healthcare services.

An Amazon wish list has been curated for virtual donations that will be sent directly to CUPHD to distribute to clients enrolled in the WIC 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!

Items needed:

• Nursing pads, pillows, and covers
• Breast milk storage bags
• Breast pumps (electric and manual) and breast pump accessories