WIC celebrates Breastfeeding Month

SAN ANGELO, TX -- The City of San Angelo’s WIC (Women, Infants and Children) program is hosting two events to celebrate National Breastfeeding Month.

The Liquid Gold League will be at 11 a.m. Aug. 16 in the WIC classroom in the Community Development Building, 52 W. College Ave.

The Big Latch will be from 9 a.m.-11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 5, by the fountains at the San Angelo Visitors Center, 418 W. Avenue B.

WIC helps pregnant women, new mothers, infants and young children eat well, learn about nutrition and stay healthy. Help with breastfeeding, accessing health care and other needs are also provided. 

Breastfed babies have a lower risk of stomach problems, infections, pneumonia meningitis and childhood leukemia, as well as diabetes, obesity and hypertension later in life.

Programs such as the Texas Ten Step focus on successful practices proven to increase mothers breastfeeding exclusively and for a longer time. The number of Texas Ten Step hospitals increased by nine statewide in the past year. WIC helps manage the Texas Ten Step program, and is celebrating the growing effort as part of National Breastfeeding Month. 

“These designations, in part, have led to an increase in support of the 87 percent of Texas WIC moms who breastfeed. That’s among the highest rate in the nation,” San Angelo WIC Manager Gillian MacKenzie said. “Our moms want to breastfeed, and these hospitals are doing a better job helping them succeed.”