, 800-452-9468 • World’s most experienced lactation consultants • Over 1,300 leaders in 47 countries • Consultants board-certified by the Academy of Lactation Consulting: • Certified Lactation Educators™ (CLES) • Certified Lactation Specialists (ICBLC) • College professors • Medical and allied health practitioners • B-vitamin and enzyme experts • Nutritional and behavioral therapists • Marketing and PR experts • Specializing in: • New business and product development • Marketing and sales strategies • Breastfeeding education and counseling • Physician and allied health professional education • Corporate wellness programs • Behavioral and clinical research studies • International development • MCH training and program development • Legislative and legal advocacy • Community outreach and maternal health • Government and non-governmental agencies For speaking opportunities, press coverage and business development or referral programs contact: WICⓇ Lactation Consultants 10400 Little Patuxent Parkway, #200, As an organization. 800-452-9468 As individuals 410/228-2651 For speaking opportunities, press 800-452-9468 410/228-2651 I I 1 Demco, Inc. KR Services Center 74144
WIC offers breastfeeding support through lactation consultants. These experts are trained to assist new mothers with breastfeeding challenges, providing guidance on proper latch techniques, milk production, and other breastfeeding-related concerns. Lactation consultants work closely with healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive care for breastfeeding mothers and their infants. They empower mothers by providing them with the knowledge and skills they need to successfully breastfeed their babies, promoting optimal nutrition and bonding experiences.
WIC Breastfeeding Support Services
WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) provides breastfeeding support services to eligible families. WIC’s breastfeeding support includes:
- Prenatal breastfeeding education
- Breastfeeding support and counseling from trained staff
- Access to lactation consultants
- Breastfeeding equipment, such as breast pumps and shields
- Healthy foods and beverages that support breastfeeding
Lactation Consultants
Lactation consultants are healthcare professionals who specialize in breastfeeding. They can provide expert advice and support to WIC participants who are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed.
WIC lactation consultants can help with a variety of breastfeeding issues, including:
- Latching difficulties
- Milk production problems
- Mastitis
- Thrush
- Nipple pain
- Returning to work while breastfeeding
- Weaning
Lactation consultants can also provide support and encouragement to breastfeeding families.
| State | Number of WIC Lactation Consultants |
|---|---|
| California | 100 |
| Florida | 50 |
| Texas | 25 |
| New York | 20 |
| Pennsylvania | 15 |
The Role of Lactation Consultants in WIC
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is a federal program that provides nutrition assistance to low-income pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, as well as infants and children up to age 5. WIC provides a variety of services, including nutrition counseling, breastfeeding support, and access to healthy foods.
Lactation consultants are registered healthcare professionals who are certified in the field of lactation. They provide support and guidance to breastfeeding women, and can help them to overcome any challenges they may face.
- Help women to initiate and maintain breastfeeding
- Provide support and guidance to breastfeeding women
- Help women to resolve breastfeeding problems
- Educate women about breastfeeding
WIC lactation consultants play a vital role in helping WIC participants to breastfeed successfully. They can provide the support, guidance, and education that women need to overcome any challenges they may face.
| Services Provided by WIC Lactation Consultants | Description |
|---|---|
| Breastfeeding counseling | Lactation consultants provide counseling to breastfeeding women on a variety of topics, including how to latch a baby on, how to increase milk production, and how to cope with common breastfeeding problems. |
| Breastfeeding education | Lactation consultants provide education to breastfeeding women on a variety of topics, including the benefits of breastfeeding, how to breastfeed, and how to care for a breastfed baby. |
| Breastfeeding support | Lactation consultants provide support to breastfeeding women through a variety of means, such as support groups, phone consultations, and home visits. |
Accessing WIC’s Lactation Services
WIC (the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children) provides a variety of services to support breastfeeding mothers. One of these services is access to lactation consultants.
Lactation consultants are healthcare professionals who have specialized training in helping breastfeeding mothers.
How to Access WIC’s Lactation Services
To access WIC’s lactation services, you must first be enrolled in the WIC program. Once you are enrolled, you can schedule an appointment with a lactation consultant.
Types of Lactation Services Provided by WIC
WIC lactation consultants can provide a variety of services, including:
- Help with latching and breastfeeding techniques
- Counseling on breastfeeding
- Assistance with breast milk pumping
- Referrals to other resources
How Often Can I See a Lactation Consultant?
You can see a lactation consultant as often as you need. Appointments are typically scheduled for 30-60 minutes.
Cost of WIC’s Lactation Services
WIC’s lactation services are free of charge for WIC participants.
What to Expect at a Lactation Appointment
At a lactation appointment, you can expect to discuss your breastfeeding goals and challenges with the lactation consultant.
The lactation consultant will also observe you breastfeeding your baby and provide you with feedback on your technique.
The lactation consultant may also provide you with suggestions for how to improve your breastfeeding experience.
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Increased breastfeeding rates | WIC participants who receive lactation support are more likely to breastfeed for longer periods of time. |
| Improved breastfeeding outcomes | WIC participants who receive lactation support are more likely to have successful breastfeeding experiences. |
| Reduced risk of breastfeeding problems | WIC participants who receive lactation support are less likely to experience breastfeeding problems. |
| Increased maternal confidence | WIC participants who receive lactation support are more likely to feel confident in their ability to breastfeed. |
WIC Resources for Breastfeeding Families
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) provides various resources to support breastfeeding families, including access to lactation consultants. WIC’s mission is to improve the health and well-being of low-income families by providing nutritional, health, and education services. Here are some of the ways WIC helps breastfeeding families:
Nutrition Support
- WIC provides nutritious foods such as milk, cheese, yogurt, fruits, and vegetables, which are essential for a healthy diet for both mothers and breastfeeding infants.
- WIC also offers breastfeeding-friendly recipes and meal ideas to help families create healthy and affordable meals that support breastfeeding.
Lactation Consultants
WIC provides access to lactation consultants, who are trained healthcare professionals who specialize in breastfeeding. Lactation consultants can help with:
- Prenatal breastfeeding education
- Tips and techniques for successful latching and positioning
- Overcoming common breastfeeding challenges
- Pumping and storage of breast milk
- Nutrition counseling for breastfeeding mothers
Education and Support
- WIC offers prenatal and postpartum breastfeeding classes to prepare families for the breastfeeding journey.
- WIC provides resources and materials on the benefits of breastfeeding and the latest evidence-based breastfeeding practices.
- WIC also connects breastfeeding mothers with support groups and other resources in the community.
Additional Resources
In addition to the above, WIC may offer other resources for breastfeeding families, such as:
- Breastfeeding pumps
- Breast pads
- Lactation aids (e.g., nipple shields, breast shells)
- Referrals to healthcare providers and other community resources
WIC Eligibility and How to Apply
To be eligible for WIC, families must meet certain income guidelines and other eligibility requirements. To apply for WIC, contact your local WIC agency or visit the WIC website at www.fns.usda.gov/wic
Thanks for reading! I hope this article was helpful. If you have any other questions about WIC or lactation consulting, please don’t hesitate to reach out. In the meantime, be sure to check back for more informative articles on all things baby and parenting. We’ll see you soon!