On July 28, 2025, Skagit County officials gathered to recognize August as National Breastfeeding Month, an initiative celebrated annually since 2011. The meeting featured presentations from local public health representatives and lactation experts, highlighting the importance of breastfeeding and the community's efforts to support new parents.

Jennifer Sathwalton, the Prevention and Community Health Division Manager, opened the session by expressing gratitude for the county's ongoing recognition of breastfeeding month. She introduced Terry Schilling, chair of the Skagit Lactation Coalition, who emphasized the coalition's active role in promoting breastfeeding practices across Skagit, Island, and San Juan counties. Schilling noted that the coalition has expanded its reach and now includes various stakeholders, including hospitals and health clinics, to enhance support for breastfeeding families.

The coalition's recent achievements were highlighted, including high scores from the CDC's Maternity Practices in Infant Nutrition and Care (mPINC) survey, which indicated that local hospitals excel in practices that support infant nutrition. Schilling also discussed the coalition's initiatives, such as providing resource bags to new parents and advocating for supportive environments for breastfeeding.

Valeria Chilcote, a breastfeeding peer counselor, shared insights on the theme of this year's National Breastfeeding Month, "Forward Together," which focuses on unity and improving access to breastfeeding support. She outlined the benefits of breastfeeding for both infants and mothers, including health advantages and environmental benefits. Chilcote also addressed challenges that new parents face, such as lack of education and support, and highlighted the resources available through local WIC offices.

The meeting included personal testimonies from community members, including a mother named Amanda, who shared her breastfeeding journey and the challenges she faced with each of her three children. Her experiences underscored the importance of community support and education in helping mothers achieve their breastfeeding goals.

The session concluded with a call to action for continued collaboration among local organizations to improve breastfeeding rates and support for families in Skagit County. The county's commitment to recognizing National Breastfeeding Month reflects its dedication to promoting health and wellness for new parents and their children.