WISCONSIN – The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is celebrating National Breastfeeding Awareness Month by highlighting a partnership that expands breastfeeding support for Wisconsin families and recognizes progress of the state's breastfeeding initiatives.
In a release, DHS said the partnership between the Wisconsin Army National Guard's Parenthood, Pregnancy and Postpartum (P3) program and Wisconsin's Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) has gained national interest as a model for supporting military families during pregnancy, postpartum and early childhood.
“Through the partnership, WIC and P3 are strengthening referrals to WIC so eligible military families can access nutrition education, healthy foods, breastfeeding support and other services during critical stages of pregnancy and early childhood,” DHS stated.
"Wisconsin is committed to meeting families where they are and building systems that support healthy pregnancies, healthy children and strong families," said Paula Tran, state health officer and Administrator of the Division of Public Health. "Military families face unique situations. By working together, we can ensure they have the resources, support and services they need to thrive."
DHS said this partnership expands on Wisconsin WIC's robust breastfeeding support that has helped increase rates of families who breastfeed.
The Wisconsin WIC program has seen breastfeeding rates increase yearly since 2021, according to DHS.
“The percent of infants who were ever breastfed and who were breastfed at three, six and 12 months increased between seven and 15 percent after years of relatively stable rates,” DHS said.
"Navigating the joys of pregnancy and parenthood during military service is a unique experience," said First Lieutenant Alyson Swanke, Wisconsin Army National Guard P3 Officer in Charge. "P3 helps our soldiers feel valued, supported and seen so that they may continue to serve while successfully growing their families. Partnering with WIC helps us get even more resources into the hands of our serving parents."
In recognition of these successful breastfeeding support efforts, Wisconsin WIC was awarded a 2025 USDA WIC Breastfeeding Performance Bonus Award for its statewide work.
DHS noted that infant feeding decisions can be shaped by support families receive where they live, work, learn and receive care.
“Disparities between racial and ethnic groups exist in breastfeeding rates, creating an opportunity to strengthen prenatal, maternity care and postpartum practices that support lactation, according to the 2025 Wisconsin Breastfeeding Landscape Report,” DHS stated. “Strengthening policies, systems and environments that support lactation helps families and infants to be healthy now and in the future.”
"WIC helps ensure families have what they need during some of life's most important moments," said Kari Malone, state WIC Director. "We are honored to share this work and demonstrate how partnerships can improve support for military families and communities across Wisconsin."
Wisconsin families can find Breastfeeding Resources on the DHS website.
Learn more about WIC Breastfeeding and Lactation Support at www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/wic/breastfeeding-support.htm.
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