Research proves it again and again — breast milk is the perfect food for babies.

Breast milk is easier to digest and causes fewer upset stomachs. Breastfed babies get sick less often and are at less risk for respiratory infections, diabetes, obesity and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

The beginning of August marked the start of World Breastfeeding Week and World Breastfeeding Month in Kentucky.

This year’s slogan is “Breastfeeding: Foundation of Life,” which highlights how, in a world filled with inequality, crises and poverty, breastfeeding is the foundation of lifelong good health for babies and mothers.

This month, the Jessamine Countys Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program focuses on giving breastfeeding mothers loving support in their decision to breastfeed. The program’s goal is to urge mothers to breastfeed if possible and give them any support they may need, which is promoted through our social media sites and other communication methods.

We also motivate dads, grandparents and friends to provide loving support as new moms need support with breastfeeding and help with child care and household chores. Dads and other family members are encouraged to cuddle, bathe, diaper, play with baby and show how proud they are of the mother for giving baby his or her best start in life.

WIC program staff are very passionate about breastfeeding and we invite you to join us in giving a breastfeeding mom your loving support by encouraging a new or expecting mom to ask her health care provider questions, attend breastfeeding classes or talk with our WIC program certified lactation counselors or breastfeeding peer counselors, who are available to answer questions and help whenever needed.

By promoting breastfeeding, you will be making a wonderful investment in the health of your community.

Contact Megan Mink at 859-885-4149 or visit www.jessaminehealth.org for more information about the program.

Megan Mink is a registered nurse with the Jessamine County Health Department.