Chillicothe, OH – Ross County WIC Senior Breastfeeding Peer, Rebecca Townsend, secured a donation of nursing and pumping bras worth $10,470 from Simple Wishes, a maternity and post-partum clothing company. The brand donated a total of 349 bras, ranging from small to plus sizes, in various colors and styles, to the Pickaway and Ross County WIC programs. "Securing this donation was just as simple as exchanging emails and a simple ask," said Townsend. 

WIC is allotted approximately $300 per year for bras and camis for breastfeeding clients. Rebecca Townsend's donation equals what WIC would be allotted for bras over the course of 40 years.

"This will be amazing for our clients and for lower-income mothers who may not be able to afford a bra due to their high price, averaging around $30-$50," she explained. "This donation will help moms for many years. I helped a mom just the other day who couldn't afford a bra. She needed one to help hold her pumps in place, and since she couldn't afford a pumping bra, she had cut holes into a regular bra she had. I was able to give her the correct size and style for her to successfully continue pumping." 

Ross-Pickaway WIC serves approximately 150 breastfeeding women each month. WIC has trained breastfeeding staff available to provide lactation support and help with challenges such as pain or discomfort, going back to work or school, and more. Every local agency has a Breastfeeding Peer to provide support and answer questions. Ross-Pickaway WIC has recently established a Breastfeeding Support Group, which meets on the last Thursday of every month from 1:00 to 2:00 PM at the Ross County Health District. 

Rebecca Ward, RD, LD, CLS, director of Ross-Pickaway WIC, said, “The recent donation of nursing and pumping bras will make a real difference for our moms by removing the financial barrier, making breastfeeding and pumping easier, supporting milk supply, and boosting confidence. This gift aligns perfectly with WIC’s mission to support healthy moms and babies. The bras will be distributed to those in need and to those who participate in Ross-Pickaway WIC’s new Breastfeeding Support Group.” 

Ross-Pickaway WIC serves over 2,200 clients monthly. WIC provides nutrition education and supplemental food assistance to pregnant women, new moms, infants, and children under the age of 5, giving them a healthy start. “My staff at Ross-Pickaway WIC are known for going above and beyond for their participants. Whether it’s taking extra time to provide guidance, helping families connect with resources, or offering words of encouragement, their dedication makes a lasting difference in the lives of the families they serve,” concluded WIC Director Rebecca Ward. 

Visit the Ross-Pickaway WIC website in the link below to learn more information about WIC program eligibility, nutritional benefits, breastfeeding resources, and more: 

WIC – Ross County Health District

About the Ross County Health District

The Ross County Health District (RCHD), founded in 1979, is nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, which works to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Ross County. RCHD is governed by a seven-member board of health and consists of four divisions: Public Health Nursing, Environmental Health, Health Promotion and Quality Improvement, and Administration. Learn more about the Ross County Health District at RossCountyHealth.org. For more information, please contact Sara Smith at sksmith@RossCountyHealth.org.