Fun Facts: August 2025

Wellness Wisdom: Activities for Building Happy, Healthy Families

National Breastfeeding Month

This special month brings attention to why breastfeeding matters, and helps families get the support they need. In 2025, the theme for National Breastfeeding Month is Forward Together. That means working as a community to make breastfeeding easier for everyone.

Why This Month Is Great for WIC Families

·         Breastmilk is important: It brings nutrients, protection from sickness, and helps babies grow strong.

·         WIC is here for you: We offer free support—like breastfeeding help, check‑ins, and tools to build confidence. WIC has 31 Designated Breastfeeding Experts and 2 Indigenous Lactation Counselors. We also have amazing peer support through other WIC mothers who have successfully breastfed and who are trained to provide mom-to-mom (peer) breastfeeding support. Learn more about our Breastfeeding Peer Counselors at https://sdbfpc.zendesk.com/hc/en-us

·         We’re all in this together: The “Forward Together” theme reminds us that when families and communities team up, everyone wins.

Want to know more about breastfeeding? Check out our website - https://www.sd.gov/wic?id=wic_breastfeeding

Breastfed From the Start: Helpful Tips for Mastering Breastfeeding

Busted Breastfeeding Myths: Common Misconceptions about Breastfeeding

Myth - Breastfeeding hurts.

Fact - Some moms experience nipple tenderness the first couple of weeks, but with a

good latch, any discomfort should go away in a few seconds.

Myth - I won’t make enough breast milk.

Fact - Women’s bodies are designed to breastfeed! When a baby is fed on-demand (literally as often as baby wants), then the body understands how much milk to make. The more often milk is removed, the more milk you’ll make. If the breasts are not drained as often as baby eats, supply of milk will decrease.

Myth - Breastfeeding is inconvenient.

Fact - Breastfeeding is more convenient than formula in many ways! It is readily

available no matter where you are – no need to clean, mix, or warm – and it’s FREE!

Myth - I can’t formula feed and breastfeed.

Fact - Breastfeeding does not have to be “all or nothing”! Some mothers choose to

breastfeed and formula feed. Partially breastfed babies still benefit from any amount of breastmilk! Keep in mind that introducing formula/bottles leads to decreased milk

supply if the breasts are not pumped each time a bottle is given.

Delicious & Nutritious Recipes: Simple, Kid Approved Dishes to Try at Home

Chopped Brussels Sprouts Salad

Ingredients:

·         1 pear (WIC)

·         1 pomegranate (WIC)

·         1 pound Brussels sprouts (WIC)

·         1/2 cup toasted or raw pecans

·         2 tablespoons juiced lemon (WIC)

·         2 tablespoons oil

·         1/2 teaspoon salt

Directions:

Step 1 - Wash prep area, your hands, and all fresh produce.

Step 2 - Chop pear into bite-size pieces. Seed pomegranate. Roughly chop Brussels sprouts to uneven bite-size chunks.

Step 3 - Add all ingredients to a serving bowl and toss to mix. Enjoy!

TIPS - Quickly turn this side salad into a meal by adding your favorite meat or non-meat protein. Pecans can be replaced with any nut and pomegranate seeds can be replaced with dried cranberries, fresh strawberries, or raspberries. Dried fruit and whole nuts are a choking hazard and should not be given to children under 4. Finely minced is okay to give. 

Source: WICHealth.org Health eKitchen