Breastfeeding Education and Support

The WIC program and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding for the first year of life. All WIC staff members receive breastfeeding training, and support breastfeeding as the normal infant feeding choice. Our WIC office also has Board Certified Lactation Consultant(IBCLC) with specialized breastfeeding training who provide education and support.

What Makes Breastfeeding so Special?

Does formula stack up to breastmilk?

Breastfeeding Education and Support includes:

Healthy Moms Healthy Babies:

This level 1 class provides basic information to help you understand all the benefits of breastfeeding for you and your baby. This class is offered every third Thursday of the month from 1:30pm to 2:30pm at 555 Towner Street, Ypsilanti MI

Beyond Breastfeeding Basics:

This level 2 class will focus on what to expect when you start breastfeeding, possible challenges and their solutions. This class if offered every second Tuesday of the month from 1:30pm to 2:30pm at 555 Towner Street, Ypsilanti MI

Breast friends Club:

The breast friends club is a support group where breastfeeding moms can share advice, get advice, and just talk about their experiences. It's a great chance to talk to moms who are going through what you're going through and to support each other. This group is offered every first Wednesday of the month from 1:30pm to 2:30pm at 555 Towner Street, Ypsilanti MI

Please call 734-544-2995 to sign up for a class or support group.

Support:

The Washtenaw County WIC program provides educational resources, breastfeeding support, and mother-to-mother peers to WIC clients. You can contact the peers at 734-544-2995.

The mother-to-mother peer program is FREE and can help you to find answers to questions about feeding your baby. Mother-to-mother peers are moms who have breastfed their babies and are trained to help other moms. They will provide phone support, meet clients in the WIC clinic, help you deal with problems, such as poor latch, engourgement, milk supply, sore nipples and others. They will teach you how to use a breastpump (free to WIC participants who qualify). They offer classes and support groups.

Breast Pumps

Manual, pedal and electric breast pumps may be available for some babies who are premature or unable to breastfeed right away and for moms who are returning to work, school or military service.

Contact the WIC office at 734-544-2995 to find out if you qualify.

Washtenaw County Breastfeeding Coalition (WCBC):

In order to make breastfeeding a societal norm, the community has formed the WCBC. The group consists of doctors, dieticians, nurses, lactation consultants/educators, WIC mothers and other health professionals. The group uses the expertise and diversity of it's members to educate the community about the benefits of breastfeeding. Examples of our efforts are:

Assisting businesses and employers in implementing a lactation support program at a workplace.
Recognizing the local businesses and employers for being supportive to their breastfeeeding moms. Visit www.washtenawbfcoalition.org.

Helpful Resources:

For further information on breastfeeding visit the following websites:

Updated January 2012

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