In light of National Breastfeeding Awareness Month, local public health officials and officials with the Women, Infants and Children program are encouraging support for breastfeeding.

According to a news release sent out Thursday, there is an ever-growing amount of research that demonstrates the importance of breastfeeding. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends infants be exclusively breastfed for about the first six months of life.

The release states breastfeeding is important for families and communities and impacts both infant and maternal well-being.

Families with breastfed babies also often save money and spend less time caring for a sick child, the release continues.

Freeborn County Public Health Director Sue Yost said Freeborn County Public Health and the WIC office offer several ways to support and promote breastfeeding. They have trained lactation counselors available to answer questions, offer free breastfeeding classes eight times a year and offer peer breastfeeding support year-round. The departments also work with others in the community to support breastfeeding.

“We are pleased to offer this support for babies, mothers and their families,” Yost said. “We recognize the importance of breastfeeding and for providing women and families with information the need to get breastfeeding off to a great start.

The release states by offering support to the community, Freeborn County has seen an increase in the number of mothers choosing to breastfeed.

If people have any questions, they can contact the WIC office at 377-5100.