PITTSBORO, N.C. —  On July 21, the Chatham County Board of Commissioners approved a resolution declaring August as National Breastfeeding Month and August 1-7 as World Breastfeeding Week in Chatham County.

The proclamation recognizes the important role breastfeeding plays in the health and well-being of children, families, and the Chatham community. It also pledges the Board’s continued support for efforts that promote and protect breastfeeding across the county.

In the resolution, the Board of Commissioners also recognized the work currently being performed to support breastfeeding county-wide, such as maternal and infant care services from local health care providers, lactation support programs, and collaborative efforts between businesses, community organizations, and other advocates to raise awareness and reduce barriers to breastfeeding.

The Chatham County Board of Commissioners' timely approval of the World Breastfeeding Week resolution perfectly aligns with the 2025 theme selected by the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA), which is "Prioritize Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support Systems,” said Piedmont Health Services WIC & Breastfeeding Programs Manager Alisha Bailey. “The approval of this resolution highlights the power of collaborative efforts between the Chatham County community, the local government, the healthcare system, and local support organizations, who together, are raising awareness and taking action to ensure Chatham families reach their breastfeeding goals. I am incredibly honored to work alongside the passionate women and lactation supporters in Chatham County, as we build a supportive and nurturing community that prioritizes the needs of birthing persons and their children.”

Leading health organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, the World Health Organization, recommend breastfeeding as the best source of nutrition for infants, as well as exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life to support healthy growth and development.

Chatham County was previously designated a “Breastfeeding Friendly Community” in 2021 to recognize the benefits of the practice, as well as build an environment where breastfeeding is welcomed and encouraged.

To learn more about breastfeeding resources in Chatham County, such as the Women, Infant and Children services program, visit Additional Food Resources | Chatham County, NC.

To learn more about Piedmont Health services, visit www.piedmonthealth.org.

To learn more about the Chatham County Public Health Department, visit www.chathamcountync.gov/publichealth.