The Florida Department of Health in Okaloosa County is celebrating increasing participation in breastfeeding.
In Okaloosa County, the current rate of WIC infants ever breastfed has reached 75.8 percent, an increase of 3.8 percent in the past year.
Statewide, according to the most recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Breastfeeding Report Card, 77 percent of Florida women have tried breastfeeding compared to the national average of 79 percent.
Women who choose to breastfeed usually have a timeframe in mind — but whether it’s for one week, one month or one year, the act of breastfeeding contributes to the health of the child and the community," a health department spokesperson stated. "Research shows that babies who receive only breast milk for the first six months of life are less likely to develop a wide range of chronic and acute diseases, including ear infections, diarrheal diseases, asthma, obesity, and respiratory illnesses.
"Mothers also benefit from breastfeeding with a decreased risk for breast and ovarian cancers."
In addition, breastfeeding acts as a baby’s first immunization, and healthier mothers and babies mean there are fewer doctor visits, even beyond the first year of life, the department stated.
Contact the Crestview WIC office, 689-7858, or visit HealthyOkaloosa.com for more information.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Okaloosa County Health Department celebrates breastfeeding