Breastfeeding is the best way to both nourish and nurture your baby. Learning to breastfeed takes practice for you and your baby.
On March 28, 2006, the Kentucky General Assembly passed Senate Bill 106, which gives mothers the right to breastfeed or express breastmilk in any location, public or private.
WIC promotes, supports and encourages mothers to breastfeed their babies for its many proven health, nutrition and emotional benefits to both mothers and babies. Currently, more than half of U.S. infants benefit from the WIC nutrition program.
Advantages of Breastfeeding
For the Baby
Breast milk is the best food for baby. It has everything baby needs to grow and develop. It is easy to digest. Breast milk changes to meet the needs of the baby and is perfect for healthy, premature or sick newborns.
Breastfeeding helps protect baby from getting sick. Breastfed babies have fewer ear infections and stomach problems like diarrhea and vomiting. That can mean fewer trips to the clinic or hospital.
Breastfeeding may help decrease or delay the onset of allergies.
Breastfeeding helps in the correct growth of baby’s face, mouth and teeth. This can mean fewer dental bills.
Breastfeeding provides better brain development. This may lead to your child having a higher IQ.
Breastfeeding gives babies skin-to-skin contact and is comforting to the baby.
For the Mother
Breastfeeding helps the mother feel close and bonded with her baby. By spending time together, the mother learns about her baby’s likes and dislikes and gains confidence in meeting baby’s needs.
Breastfeeding helps the mother feel more relaxed and peaceful.
Breastfeeding burns calories. Weight loss after pregnancy may be easier for the mother if she is breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding saves time, since there are no bottles to clean, prepare, warm or sterilize. Breast milk is always ready and the correct temperature.
Breastfeeding saves money.
Working mothers who breastfeed miss less work because of a sick baby.
Breastfeeding makes travel easier, since there is less stuff to haul around.
During natural disasters such as tornadoes and floods, breastmilk is available and safe.
Breastfeeding may reduce the risk of breast and uterine cancer.
Especially for Teens
Breastfeeding gives the mother something that only she can do for her baby. It is a special connection that the baby’s grandmother or babysitter can’t have.
Breastfeeding can be a source of pride, a sign of maturity and responsibility in caring for a baby.
For the Father and other Family Members
Breastfeeding can save money. Formula and bottle-feeding equipment can expensive.
There is less time off work to take care of a sick baby or to take the baby to the doctor and less money spent on medication.
Breastmilk does not stain clothing.
Breastfed babies’ bowel movements are less smelly than those of a formula fed infant.
Breastfeeding Peer Counselors
Our agency has a breastfeeding peer counselor in the WIC program. She is able to provide mother-to-mother support for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
My name is Kristal Knight, and I am the WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor for the Hopkins County Health Department. I breastfed my children, and as a WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor, I’m here to support you along the way. As a WIC participant, you will have breastfeeding support any time you need it. I look forward to talking to you and helping you reach your breastfeeding goals. You can call or text me anytime.
Sincerely,
Kristal Knight
WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor
270-399-1247
Cabinet for Health and Family Services
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Breastfeeding Support
La Leche League – 24 hour hotline 1-877-452-5324
National Women’s Health and Breastfeeding Helpline – 1-800-994-9662 (Monday – Friday 9am-6pm)
Baptist Health Deaconess Madisonville Women’s Center – 270-326-3900
www.wicbreastfeeding.fns.usda.gov/wic-partners
