Breastfeeding Support2023-02-08T23:05:36+00:00

Most moms and babies need practice learning how to breastfeed. It’s normal to have lots of questions and to need some help. Getting answers to your questions during pregnancy and in the early days after birth can help you get the best start with breastfeeding.

Our trained WIC staff can provide you with breastfeeding support in a variety of ways:

 Free Breastfeeding Classes

  • Prepare for breastfeeding before your baby is born.
  • We offer breastfeeding classes in English and Spanish monthly over Zoom or Microsoft Teams.
  • Classes are open to all pregnant people in Skagit County — you do not have to be a WIC client.

One-on-One Support

Our trained WIC personnel can:

  • Answer your breastfeeding questions in person or over the phone.
  • Provide you with in-person support, including help with latching and positioning, making breastfeeding more comfortable for you and your baby.
  • Address any concerns you may have and provide resources and referrals, if necessary.
  • WIC clients can text our Breastfeeding Counselor at 360-333-1467

Ask Us About Breast Pumps

WIC Staff will talk with you about the most ideal options for expressing breastmilk.  We have personal-use electric breast pumps and manual breast pumps at no charge, so we’ll be sure to find the one that best fits your needs.  Whether you’re exclusively pumping or expressing milk occasionally or anywhere in between, WIC can help support you to meet your feeding goals.  Ask us about nursing covers, milk storage bags, and breast pads too.  If you have a plan to return to work or school away from your baby, then we can support you through a variety of situations.

Contact us at 360.854.0435 or

Resources and Referrals

No matter where you are in your parenting journey WIC helps parents to breastfeed, chestfeed, and human milk feed their babies.

  • Scroll down to see facts and resources we’ve accumulated for you related to breastfeeding.
  • Nursing shouldn’t hurt. If it hurts, get help. Call us at 360-854-0435.
  • If you have questions not answered by the resources below, we’re happy to help! Call us at 360-854-0435 or text our Breastfeeding Counselor at 360-333-1467.

Information and Resources for Breastfeeding

New parents hear a lot about how breastfeeding is special and beneficial.  They will also hear about many challenges to feeding human milk.  We want to make sure expecting parents have the best and most accurate information and support. 

We know that being a new parent can be stressful and overwhelming.  When we become familiar with newborn baby behaviors, we can determine what is normal and what we should be concerned about. 

Am I making enough milk for my baby?2022-12-13T18:44:17+00:00

You can make all of the milk your baby needs. Holding baby skin-to-skin while in the hospital and after going home, helps you make milk. Breastfeeding your baby whenever baby is hungry and exclusively breastfeeding for the first 4-6 weeks will protect your milk supply. Learn about steps you can take directly after birth and beyond to boost your milk supply at the Droplet website.  Learn more about how breastmilk is made on this WIC breastfeeding support webpage.

Breastfeeding video series2022-12-13T18:43:16+00:00

Visit the baby gooroo website for a series of helpful breastfeeding videos.

Can I go back to work or school and continue breastfeeding?2022-12-13T18:43:48+00:00

Yes, you can go back to work or school and continue breastfeeding. New laws require many workplaces to support breastfeeding employees. Ask your employer or WIC staff for more information.

Do I need to eat a special diet while breastfeeding?2023-01-10T21:17:43+00:00

Parents who nurse can eat their favorite foods! No special diet is needed.

DOH – LIFE Program2022-07-26T19:25:28+00:00

Click here for information on the WA State Department of Health’s Lactation & Infant-Friendly Feeding Environments (LIFE). LIFE encourages organizations to promote and support breastfeeding through changes in their policies and procedures.

Feeding Behavior & Hunger Signals2023-01-09T18:48:29+00:00

Between birth to 4 months, your baby will want to eat 8 to 12 times in 24 hours, usually taking 2 to 3 ounces at each feed.  At 4 to 6 months, they may still eat 6-8 times in 24 hours, usually taking 4 to 6 ounces at each feed.

For tips on how to tell if your baby is hungry or full, visit the WIC Breastfeeding Support website.

I have concerns about nursing in public2023-01-10T21:16:56+00:00

Have concerns about breastfeeding in public? Ask our WIC staff for suggestions at 360-854-0435.

Washington state laws protect parents when nursing in public. Visit this website for more information about your rights and breastfeeding laws.

Is My Baby Getting Enough to Eat?2022-12-13T18:44:27+00:00

In this baby gooroo video with breastfeeding expert Amy Spangler, several new mothers talk about how to know whether your baby is eating enough, what color and consistency baby poop should be, and how often your baby should poop.

Skagit County Lactation Coalition2023-01-09T18:53:33+00:00

Find community resources to support you on your path to nourishing your new baby at the Skagit County Lactation Coalition website.

Steps and signs of a good latch2023-01-10T21:15:55+00:00

Visit this WIC webpage for tips to help you get a good latch, and know if you have one.

Nursing shouldn’t hurt. If it does, get help by calling us at 360-854-0435, or texting our Breastfeeding Counselor at 360-333-1467.

 

The Benefits of Breastfeeding2022-12-13T18:44:37+00:00

There are many health benefits of breastfeeding, including:

  • Reduced risk of ear infections, asthma, lower respiratory infections, diarrhea, eczema 
  • Special time to bond with your baby 
  • Nutrients in human milk change to meet your baby’s needs 
  • Breastfeeding saves money. 
  • Breastmilk is convenient.  Human milk is warm and ready to go whenever your baby is hungry 

For more information on the benefits of breastfeeding, visit the La Leche League (LLL) website.

WIC Breastfeeding Support website2022-12-13T18:43:27+00:00

Explore helpful information about breastfeeding at the WIC Breastfeeding Support website, including:

  • Planning to breastfeed
  • Starting to breastfeed once the baby arrives
  • Overcoming challenges that may come up

Call WIC: 360-854-0435
Fax WIC: 360-856-5094

Visit Our WIC Clinics

This institution is an equal opportunity provider. Washington WIC doesn’t discriminate. We will not ask about citizenship or immigration status. 

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