CHILLICOTHE – Hundreds of new mothers in Ross and Pickaway counties will soon benefit from a major donation thanks to the efforts of Ross County WIC Senior Breastfeeding Peer Rebecca Townsend.
Townsend secured a gift of 349 nursing and pumping bras valued at $10,470 from Simple Wishes, a maternity and postpartum clothing company. The donation, which includes a range of sizes and styles, will be distributed to clients of Ross-Pickaway WIC.
For context, WIC is typically allotted just $300 per year for bras and camis for breastfeeding clients — meaning this donation is equivalent to more than four decades’ worth of funding.
“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,” Townsend said. She shared a recent example of a mom who couldn’t afford a pumping bra and had cut holes into a regular one to make it work. “I was able to give her the correct size and style for her to successfully continue pumping,” Townsend explained.
Ross-Pickaway WIC serves about 150 breastfeeding women each month and recently launched a Breastfeeding Support Group, which meets the last Thursday of every month from 1–2 p.m. at the Ross County Health District. Staff provide trained lactation support to help mothers overcome challenges such as pain, discomfort, or transitioning back to work or school.
Rebecca Ward, RD, LD, CLS, director of Ross-Pickaway WIC, said the donation is a game-changer.
“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,” Ward said. “This gift aligns perfectly with WIC’s mission to support healthy moms and babies.”
Ross-Pickaway WIC serves more than 2,200 clients monthly, offering nutrition education, breastfeeding resources, and supplemental food assistance for pregnant women, new moms, infants, and children under 5.
To learn more about WIC program eligibility and resources, visit the Ross County Health District’s WIC page.
