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Breastfeeding Support

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Breastfeeding is the best way to nourish and bond with your baby. DHD #10 offers guidance and support to help you feel confident every step of the way.

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Why is breastfeeding important?

Breastmilk is the perfect food for babies, providing complete nutrition while being naturally safe, clean, and ready to feed without any preparation, even in areas with poor water quality or sanitation. Starting breastfeeding right after birth through skin-to-skin contact helps babies stay warm, builds their immune system, strengthens the bond between parent and baby, and helps lactating parents produce more milk for longer periods.

For more information on the benefits of breastfeeding, see what the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Centers for Disease Control have to say about it.

DHD #10 WIC employs breastfeeding peer counselors in all our WIC clinics. A WIC breastfeeding peer counselor is a mother in the community with personal breastfeeding experience who is trained to give information and support to new lactating parents. She will mentor, coach, and support you. She can provide you:

  • Basic information about breastfeeding.
  • Ideas on how your family and friends can support you.
  • Ways to get a good start with breastfeeding.
  • Tips for a healthy supply of breast milk for your baby.
  • Support when you have breastfeeding concerns.
  • Tips on how to breastfeed comfortably and discreetly, even in public.
  • Advice to help you stick with breastfeeding after you return to work or school.

They are typically current or former WIC recipients and have successfully breastfed their children. WIC breastfeeding peer counselors are a valuable resource for WIC participants, offering a unique blend of personal experience, practical advice, and emotional support to help mothers succeed in their breastfeeding journeys. They can even provide support outside of WIC clinic hours, as they know breastfeeding questions can happen anytime, anywhere. In some of our counties, our peers host prenatal breastfeeding education classes, and breastfeeding support groups.

WIC also provides advanced levels of breastfeeding support, including access to International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLC), Certified Lactation Specialists (CLE), and Lactation Certified Educators (LCE). Call your local WIC clinic to learn more today.

If you need more immediate breastfeeding support, please contact the Michigan WIC Breastfeeding Warmline at (833) 649-4223. This line is available 7 days a week from 8 AM – 8 PM.

Looking for some quick breastfeeding information right now? Check out the following resources: