Human milk gives babies powerful health benefits that formula can’t match. The longer a baby breastfeeds, the greater the health benefits!
All major medical organizations recommend breastfeeding as the best way to feed your baby. Only breastfeeding (no formula, food, or other liquids) for the first six months and continued breastfeeding for two years and beyond is recommended.
We know the importance of support. Breastfeeding help can be found in many different places throughout your community. This includes support provided and celebrated each year during World Breastfeeding Week and National Breastfeeding Month in August.
Learning about breastfeeding while you are pregnant can help you to be more successful when your baby is born. Find out about the benefits of breastfeeding and ways WIC can give you support.
This guide will help you learn to breastfeed, how to know if your baby is getting enough milk, positions and tips for a good latch, and how to overcome breastfeeding challenges.
The best support often comes from other people that have breastfed their own babies. Learn more about the WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Program.
Writing down a birth plan helps you think about what you want during and after your delivery. This is a guide to help you make a plan with your birth support team.
Hospital support can help you get breastfeeding off to a good start. Learn about how to find a Baby-Friendly certified facility and what to ask for at your birth.
Hand expression is a useful way to help you increase and maintain your milk supply.
Pumping can be a useful way to increase your milk supply and is often a necessity when you are away from your baby. Learn about breast pumps, milk storage, and pumping tips.
Paced bottle feeding is a way of feeding that allows your baby to control the flow from the bottle. When using a bottle, practice paced bottle feeding whether the bottle contains breast milk or formula.
If you have decided to feed your baby both breast milk and infant formula, learn feeding tips to keep your milk supply up. Any amount of breast milk is better than none!
Weaning is the process of switching your child’s diet from breast milk to other foods and drinks. Learning some tips to help you with this process is important for you and your child.