Finding Support & Information

Finding Support & Information

Many moms need help with breastfeeding. The good news is there are a lot of people you can reach out to for help and support – including WIC!

Build a breastfeeding team. Having a support system is important to your breastfeeding success. Decide who you want on your team and talk with them about your breastfeeding goals.

Your breastfeeding support team might include:

  • WIC staff
  • Your partner
  • Family members and friends
  • Other breastfeeding mothers
  • Breastfeeding professionals

WIC Staff

WIC has breastfeeding experts – lactation consultants and peer counselors – who are ready to support your breastfeeding goals. WIC can answer questions and help with breastfeeding challenges.

How WIC supports breastfeeding:

  • Staff answer breastfeeding questions in clinics or through the Breastfeeding Helpline
  • WIC offers enhanced food packages for breastfeeding mothers and infants
  • WIC provides quality breast pumps to mothers who need one

You are not alone in your breastfeeding journey. Help is just a call away!

Contact wic

Your Partner and Family Members

Breastfeeding is more than a way to feed a baby — it becomes a way of life. Fathers, partners, family members, and other support persons can be involved in breastfeeding too.

How your partner and family members can support you:

  • Cheer your breastfeeding efforts
  • Hold baby skin-to-skin
  • Snuggle baby so you can rest
  • Read to baby
  • Help you relax
  • Bring you water
  • Change diapers
  • Give baths
  • Run errands
  • Cook meals
  • Wash clothes
  • Spend time with older children

Mother-to-Mother Support

Other breastfeeding mothers are a great source of support. They can share tips and offer good advice. They might also share personal breastfeeding stories that will inspire and reassure you.

Ways to connect with other breastfeeding mothers:

  • WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselors

Some WIC programs offer peer counselors. “Peer” means that the counselor has breastfed her own baby and can help other mothers breastfeed.

  • Breastfeeding Support Groups

Ask WIC, your doctor, or other breastfeeding expert to suggest a support group.

  • - WIC clinics, doctors’ offices, and hospitals often have IBCLC on staff who lead regular support group meetings
  • Find a local La Leche League support group by visiting their website at www.llli.org
  • Search for a breastfeeding center near you.

These centers may offer support groups. Some resources include:

  • - Nursing Mothers Advisory Council
  • - Nursing Mothers, Inc.
  • - BreastfeedingUSA.org

Social media sites and message boards can help you connect with other moms.

These are great support systems, but it’s best not to rely on social media for medical advice or clinical breastfeeding support. For challenges such as sore nipples or milk supply concerns, talk to WIC, your doctor, or other breastfeeding expert instead.

Professionals

  • International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC)
  • IBCLCs are certified breastfeeding professionals with the highest level of knowledge and skill in breastfeeding support. Go to www.uslca.org to find an IBCLC in your area.
  • Certified lactation counselor or certified breastfeeding educator
  • A breastfeeding counselor or educator has special training and teaches about breastfeeding. They help women with basic breastfeeding challenges and questions.​
  • Baby-Friendly® Hospitals
  • Baby-Friendly® Hospitals provide support for breastfeeding mothers, including:
  • - Keeping mom and baby together throughout the hospital stay
  • - Teaching feeding cues and breastfeeding techniques
  • - Providing or linking to support after leaving the hospital
For more information about Baby-Friendly® hospitals, visit www.babyfriendlyusa.org.
Side-Lying

Side-Lying Hold

  1. For the right breast, lie on your right side with your baby facing you.
  2. Pull your baby close. Your baby’s mouth should be level with your nipple.
  3. In this position, you can cradle your baby’s back with your left arm and support yourself with your right arm and/or pillows.
  4. Keep loose clothing and bedding away from your baby.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

  • You had a C-section
  • You want to rest while baby feeds
  • You are breastfeeding in the middle of the night
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position
cross-cradle

Cross-Cradle Hold

  1. For the right breast, use your left arm to hold your baby’s head at your right breast and baby’s body toward your left side. A pillow across your lap can help support your left arm.
  2. Gently place your left hand behind your baby’s ears and neck, with your thumb and index finger behind each ear and your palm between baby’s shoulder blades. Turn your baby’s body toward yours so your tummies are touching.
  3. Hold your breast as if you are squeezing a sandwich. To protect your back, avoid leaning down to your baby. Instead, bring your baby to you.
  4. As your baby’s mouth opens, push gently with your left palm on baby’s head to help them latch on. Make sure you keep your fingers out of the way.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

  • Your baby is premature
  • Your baby has a weak suck
  • Your baby needs help to stay latched
  • Your baby needs extra head support
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position
Football

Clutch or “Football” Hold

  1. For the right breast, hold your baby level, facing up, at your right side.
  2. Put your baby’s head near your right nipple and support their back and legs under your right arm.
  3. Hold the base of your baby’s head with your right palm. A pillow underneath your right arm can help support your baby’s weight.
  4. To protect your back, avoid leaning down to your baby. Bring baby to you instead.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

  • You had a C-section
  • You have large breasts
  • You have flat or inverted nipples
  • You have a strong milk let-down
  • You are breastfeeding twins
  • Your baby likes to feed in an upright position
  • Your baby has reflux
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position
CRADLE hold

Cradle Hold

  1. For the right breast, cradle your baby with your right arm. Your baby will be on their left side across your lap, facing you at nipple level.
  2. Your baby’s head will rest on your right forearm with your baby’s back along your inner arm and palm.
  3. Turn your baby’s tummy toward your tummy. Your left hand is free to support your breast, if needed. Pillows can help support your arm and elbow.
  4. To protect your back, avoid leaning down to your baby. Instead, bring your baby to you.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

  • Your baby needs help latching on
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position
laid-back

Laid-Back Hold

  1. Lean back on a pillow with your baby’s tummy touching yours and their head at breast level. Some moms find that sitting up nearly straight works well. Others prefer to lean back and lie almost flat.
  2. You can place your baby’s cheek near your breast, or you may want to use one hand to hold your breast near your baby. It’s up to you and what you think feels best.
  3. Your baby will naturally find your nipple, latch, and begin to suckle.

This hold is useful when:

  • Your baby is placed on your chest right after birth
  • You have a strong milk let-down
  • You have large breasts
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position