For Immediate Release: July 28, 2025
Media Contact:
Communication Office │ Department of Health
802-863-7280 │ [email protected]
Vermont Celebrates World Breastfeeding Week, Aug. 1-7
Health Department promotes programs and events for breastfeeding & chestfeeding families
WATERBURY, VT — The Vermont Department of Health is celebrating the state’s high breastfeeding rates and showcasing programs and events to support new families who want to learn more about breastfeeding as part of World Breastfeeding Week 2025 beginning Aug. 1.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that about 93% of Vermont infants born in 2021 had been breastfed, compared to a national average of 84%. At 12 months of age, about 57% of Vermont babies are breastfed, exceeding the national average of about 40%. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for six months, and encourages parents to continue until two years or beyond.
Vermont’s high rates of breastfeeding and chestfeeding – a term used by some trans/nonbinary parents – are supported by the state’s network of breastfeeding programs and resources. Health officials noted that to be successful, parents need the support of their family, community and employers.
“Learning to feed your baby can take time, patience, and practice, and every baby can have a different experience,” said Interim Health Commissioner Julie Arel. “We want all new families to have the resources and information to make choices about feeding that are right for them.”
New parents can find assistance for breastfeeding throughout the state. The Strong Families Vermont Nurse Home Visiting program provides lactation support and many other services for families with newborns. Many local breastfeeding resources including hospitals, community organizations and health care professionals are also available.
Vermont WIC, which provides food benefits, nutrition education and counseling programs for low-income Vermonters who are pregnant and/or parents or caregivers with children under 5, also provides breastfeeding support through its breastfeeding peer counseling program. The program connects trained peer counselors with WIC participants to help families reach their infant feeding goals, whether breastfeeding or pumping, by offering support, information and referrals to lactation experts in the community.
“WIC’s breastfeeding peer counselors are WIC parents who have breastfed their own children, are part of the community and care deeply about helping fellow parents,” said Tricia Cassi, WIC’s state breastfeeding coordinator. “Our peer counselors are often the first to hear about feeding challenges, offering much needed support at critical times.”
For more information about what’s happening in your area during World Breastfeeding Awareness Week, contact your Local Health Office at HealthVermont.gov/Find-Your-Local-Health-Office.
World Breastfeeding Week, Aug. 1 – 7: Statewide Events and Activities:
- Participate in the “Big Latch On” Virtual Event: Breastfeeding and chestfeeding people across Vermont can join others for the Big Let Down & Latch On virtual event on Aug. 7 at 9 a.m. to celebrate their infant-feeding journey. International Board-Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLC) and WIC staff will be available to answer questions and offer support. Hosted by White River Junction and Springfield WIC. Email [email protected] or [email protected] if you are interested in this virtual gathering.
- Watch for “Breastfeeding Standees”: These life-sized cut-out images of breastfeeding parents highlight the many breastfeeding-friendly workplaces in Vermont. Look for displays in libraries, hospitals and WIC offices. Many county or local fairs will have an Infant Comfort Station or quiet space where you can take a break and feed your baby.
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