What Breast Pump Does WIC Give

WIC offers breast pumps to eligible participants who want to provide breast milk for their infants. The type of breast pump provided by WIC varies depending on individual needs and circumstances. Manual breast pumps, which require hand operation, may be suitable for occasional pumping. Electric breast pumps, which use electricity to create suction, are more convenient and efficient for frequent pumping. WIC also provides double electric breast pumps, which allow for simultaneous pumping from both breasts, saving time and increasing milk production. Participants can consult with WIC staff to determine the most appropriate type of breast pump based on their specific requirements.

Eligibility Requirements for WIC Breast Pumps

To qualify for a free or low-cost breast pump through the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), certain eligibility requirements must be met:

Be a pregnant, breastfeeding, or postpartum woman.
Meet income eligibility guidelines (based on federal poverty guidelines).
Live in a state or county where WIC provides breast pumps.

Program Coverage and Qualifications:

Criteria	Eligibility Requirement
Income	Meet federal poverty guidelines
Pregnancy	Be pregnant or recently given birth (postpartum)
Breastfeeding	Currently breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed
Residency	Live in a state or county where WIC provides breast pumps

Types of Breast Pumps Provided by WIC

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) provides breast pumps to eligible participants to support breastfeeding. The type of breast pump provided will vary depending on factors such as the participant’s individual needs, the availability of different pumps in the area, and WIC program guidelines.

Manual Breast Pumps

Advantages: Inexpensive, portable, and easy to use.
Disadvantages: Requires manual operation, which can be tiring for frequent pumping.

Electric Breast Pumps

Advantages: Can be more efficient and less tiring than manual pumps.
Disadvantages: More expensive, less portable, and requires an electrical outlet.

Hospital-Grade Breast Pumps

Advantages: The most powerful and efficient type of breast pump recommended for exclusive pumping or for mothers with low milk supply.
Disadvantages: Not usually provided by WIC and may require a prescription.

How to Get a Breast Pump from WIC

To get a breast pump through WIC, eligible participants should follow these steps:

1. Contact their local WIC office to determine eligibility and schedule an appointment.
2. Attend the appointment and provide documentation of pregnancy or breastfeeding.
3. Consult with a WIC staff member to discuss breast pump options and receive a prescription, if necessary.
4. Obtain the breast pump from a designated provider or through the WIC office.

Overview of Breast Pumps Provided by WIC
Type of Breast Pump	Advantages	Disadvantages
Manual	Inexpensive, portable, easy to use	Requires manual operation
Electric	Efficient, less tiring	More expensive, less portable
Hospital-Grade	Powerful, efficient	Not usually provided by WIC

How to Obtain a Breast Pump from WIC

The WIC program, a supplemental nutrition program for women, infants, and children, provides breast pumps to eligible participants to support breastfeeding. To obtain a breast pump from WIC, you will need to:

Qualify for WIC: WIC eligibility is based on income, nutritional risk, and other factors. You can check your eligibility by contacting your local WIC office or visiting the WIC website.

Once you have determined your eligibility, you will need to:

Attend WIC appointments: You will need to attend WIC appointments to receive nutrition counseling and make sure your health and nutritional needs are being met.
Get a prescription: Your WIC healthcare provider will need to prescribe a breast pump for you. The prescription will specify the type of breast pump you need and the length of time you will need it.
Receive the breast pump: Once you have a prescription, you can pick up your breast pump from your local WIC office or a designated distribution site.

WIC provides a variety of breast pumps, including electric, manual, and hospital-grade pumps. The type of pump you receive will depend on your individual needs and preferences. Here is a table summarizing the different types of breast pumps available through WIC:

Pump Type	Description
Electric Breast Pump	Powered by electricity, these pumps offer the most convenience and efficiency. They can be single or double pumps, allowing you to pump from one or both breasts at once.
Manual Breast Pump	Operated by hand, these pumps are less expensive than electric pumps but require more effort to use. They are a good option for occasional pumping or as a backup.
Hospital-Grade Breast Pump	Designed for mothers who need to pump frequently or have difficulty pumping, these pumps are more powerful than electric pumps. They are typically available through hospital rental programs or through WIC with a doctor’s prescription.

What Breast Pump Does WIC Give?

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) provides eligible families with access to a breast pump to support their breastfeeding journey. The specific breast pump provided by WIC may vary by state and individual circumstances. Contact your local WIC office for more information about the specific breast pump you can receive.

WIC-approved breast pumps are typically electric breast pumps that can be used at home or on the go. These pumps are designed to be comfortable and efficient, and they can help you to express milk quickly and easily. Some WIC-approved breast pumps also come with features such as adjustable suction levels, massage modes, and timers.

Additional Resources for Breast Pump Information

Feature	Medela Pump in Style Advanced	Spectra S2 Plus	Evenflo Advanced Double Electric
Adjustable suction levels	Yes	Yes	Yes
Massage modes	Yes	Yes	No
Timers	Yes	Yes	No
Price range	$250-$350	$200-$300	$150-$250