St. Clair County Supports Breastfeeding
St. Clair County Health Department WIC supports breastfeeding mothers, which in turn, helps to support healthy communities. Your family, especially your partner, will be vital to helping you meet your breastfeeding goals. It takes time, practice, patience and teamwork. It’s a good idea to talk about your decision to breastfeed before your baby arrives. This will give you time to learn, prepare, and plan together.
Information presented here is intended to help moms and babies reach their fullest health potential. Breastfeeding is unparalleled in providing the basis for good health and good eating habits for a happy, healthy lifetime.
Research shows that breastfed babies have lower risks of:
- Asthma
- Leukemia
- Obesity
- Ear infections
- Eczema
- Diarrhea and vomiting
- Lower respiratory infections
- Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
- Type 2 diabetes
(Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services)
St. Clair County WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor
St. Clair County WIC has Breastfeeding Peer Counselors on staff to help families get ready for breastfeeding by offering breastfeeding classes and support throughout the breastfeeding journey.
Breastfeeding Peer Counselors are moms just like you, who breastfed their children. They are trained to answer common breastfeeding questions. Peer counselors have an important role in educating, supporting and encouraging WIC mothers to reach their breastfeeding goals.
Breastfeeding Peer Counselors are available to assist via text or phone call after hours and even on weekends!
WIC Lactation Consultant
The International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) is an important part of the Maternal-Child Healthcare team with specialized skills in breastfeeding care and management. IBCLCs use a problem-solving approach through comprehensive assessment to promote successful breastfeeding. Research has shown improved breastfeeding outcomes when mothers and infants receive the services of an IBCLC.
For help with any breastfeeding issues or concerns, please contact our breastfeeding specialists at the numbers listed below: