The Guilford County Division of Public Health is proud to recognize National Breastfeeding Month in August.
The 2025 National Breastfeeding Month theme is “Forward Together.” August is a time to recognize the power of collective support for infant feeding—across all communities, cultures and care settings. This theme calls on us to unite in improving access to human milk and ensuring all families are supported throughout their feeding journeys.
"Breastfeeding is one of the most effective ways we can support the health and well-being of both infants and parents,” said Courtney McFadden, Guilford County Public Health Director. “During National Breastfeeding Month, we reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that every family in Guilford County has access to the resources they need to make informed feeding choices. By building a culture that supports breastfeeding at home, in workplaces and throughout our community, we invest in a healthier future for all."
The World Health Organization, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life and continuing to provide breast milk along with complementary foods for two years and beyond. Breast milk is uniquely suited to support infant growth and development.
While eighty three percent of U.S. infants begin breastfeeding, only twenty five percent are exclusively breastfed at six months, according to the CDC. Sixty percent of families stop earlier than intended due to lack of support or access to resources.
To address this need, the Guilford County Division of Public Health WIC Program offers local families the information, resources and support they need to meet their breastfeeding goals, including:
- Staff trained to ensure families feel comfortable breastfeeding in Guilford County Public Health clinics
- Food packages and nutrition education to support breastfeeding women
- Evidence-based prenatal education that equips families with knowledge and builds confidence
- A breastfeeding peer counseling program that supports and reassures moms through the challenging early weeks after giving birth and transitions back to work and school
- Access to timely lactation support from certified lactation professionals (IBCLCs)
- Connecting families to available breastfeeding resources in the community
- Breastfeeding aids when needed
Additionally, the Guilford County Division of Public Health now serves as a new location for a La Leche League (LLL) group, providing monthly support meetings, guidance from trained leaders and resources for nursing families. Visit La Leche League of Greensboro for upcoming meeting information.
"Breastfeeding is a public health priority—it supports lifelong health for babies and their mothers," said Erin Cashwell, Nutrition Program Director, Guilford County Division of Public Health. "We are committed to ensuring families in Guilford County have equitable access to the support they need. This month we celebrate the strength, connection and community that breastfeeding creates—for babies, families and the future of our community."
Community members may learn more about the WIC Program or make an appointment by visiting the Guilford County Division of Public Health online, by calling 336-641-3214 for Greensboro services or 336-641-7571 for High Point services, or by visiting a clinic location Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (1100 East Wendover Avenue in Greensboro or 501 East Green Drive in High Point).
To be eligible for the WIC Program, a person must:
- Be a pregnant woman; a breastfeeding woman who has had a baby in the last 12 months; a woman who has had a baby in the last six months; an infant; or a child under five years;
- Reside in North Carolina;
- Meet income eligibility requirements: The gross annual household income cannot exceed 185% of the Federal poverty income guidelines; All Medicaid, Food and Nutrition Services (food stamps) and Work First recipients automatically meet the WIC income eligibility criteria; and
- Have an identified nutritional risk as determined by a health professional.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.