Celebrating National Breastfeeding Month: Support for Every Parent in Maine
Contributed by Audra Stewart-Gordon, Community Health and Communications Coordinator.
August is National Breastfeeding Month, a time to raise awareness about the importance of breastfeeding and to support parents in their infant feeding journeys. This year’s theme, “Enabling Breastfeeding: Making a Difference for Working Parents,” highlights the need for strong community support and inclusive workplace policies that empower all families to thrive.
Why Breastfeeding Matters
Breastfeeding offers powerful health benefits for both babies and parents. It supports early brain development, strengthens immune systems, and reduces the risk of chronic illness. For parents, breastfeeding can reduce the risk of postpartum depression and certain cancers, while also promoting bonding and emotional connection.
Support in Hancock County, Maine
Whether you’re a new parent, expecting, or need support returning to work while breastfeeding, Hancock County offers several helpful local resources:
Maine Coast Hospital – Women’s Health Center (Northern Light Health)
Offers lactation support, prenatal education, and postpartum care.
Lactation consultant services available by appointment.
50 Union St, Ellsworth, ME
(207) 664-5670
northernlighthealth.org
WIC Program – Women, Infants & Children (Hancock County)
Provides nutrition assistance, breastfeeding education, and peer counselors.
Breastfeeding moms may qualify for enhanced food packages and access to breast pumps.
17 Christian Ridge Rd, Ellsworth, ME
(207) 667-5304
maine.gov/WIC
Downeast Community Partners – Family Services
Offers home visiting programs for new parents, including education and infant care support.
Helps families connect to additional breastfeeding resources and community support.
248 State St, Ellsworth, ME
(207) 610-5904
downeastcommunitypartners.org
La Leche League of Maine and New Hampshire (Virtual & Statewide Support)
Peer-led breastfeeding support groups open to all families.
Virtual meetings are available for rural and remote parents.
lllofmenh@gmail.com
lllusa.org
WASHINGTON COUNTY
Down East Community Hospital – OB/GYN & Birth Services
Provides breastfeeding education as part of prenatal care.
Offers postpartum follow-up and feeding support.
11 Hospital Dr, Machias, ME
(207) 255-0438
dech.org
WIC – Washington County
Provides breastfeeding support, pumps, and nutrition guidance.
Offers peer counselors for new parents.
247 Main St, Machias, ME
(207) 255-8280
maine.gov/WIC
Parents Are Teachers Too – Sunrise Opportunities
Offers home visiting programs and parent coaching.
Supports breastfeeding, nutrition, and early child development.
232 Court St, Machias, ME
(207) 255-1133
sun-rise.tv
Let’s Celebrate and Support Every Feeding Journey
Not every parent’s path looks the same, and that’s okay. Whether you choose to breastfeed, pump, formula feed, or combo feed — you deserve support, compassion, and access to trusted information.
Need Help? Reach out to one of the resources above or speak to your healthcare provider for personalized support.
This article was developed with support from AI-assisted writing tools and reviewed by our team for accuracy and clarity.