COLUMBIA — During National Breastfeeding Month this August, the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) is celebrating a significant rise in breastfeeding rates across the state.
According to a recent DPH release, the percentage of infants breastfed through the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program has steadily increased in recent years. In August 2022, 26.9% of infants in the program were fully or partially breastfed. By August 2023, this figure rose to 28.1%, and further increased to 29.7% by May 2024.
Dr. Brannon Traxler, Chief Medical Officer, expressed enthusiasm about the trend. “We’re thrilled to see the continued rise in breastfeeding rates within our WIC program,” Traxler said. “This trend means more babies in South Carolina are getting a healthy start. Breastfeeding provides essential nutrients for a baby’s growth and development, and we encourage all mothers to breastfeed when possible.”
DPH emphasizes the benefits of breastfeeding, which include:
Reduced risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), diabetes, and obesity.
Lower risk of cancer, postpartum depression, and iron deficiency in mothers.
Enhanced cognitive development and higher IQ in babies.
Improved long-term blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Support for the uterus to return to its normal size after childbirth.
To support breastfeeding, WIC offers various resources and collaborates with local organizations to promote and educate about breastfeeding. Initiatives include:
Providing educational materials and training tailored to local cultures, languages, and literacy levels.
Assigning peer counselors who match the language, race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic background of WIC participants.
Participating in the Maternal Outcomes Matter Shower Tour (M.O.M.S.), aimed at improving maternal health outcomes, especially for African American and American Indian/Alaska Native women.
Partnering with PASOs to enhance health education and advocacy within Latino communities, focusing on leadership development and resource connection.
These efforts aim to close disparities and strengthen breastfeeding support across South Carolina.
