August is National Breastfeeding Month! Did you know that breastfeeding is good for the health of both mother and baby? Here are some helpful tips for mothers who are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
What are the benefits of breastfeeding?
Babies
Breastfeeding gives babies the best possible start to life. It is the ideal source of nutrition to help with their growth and development.
For babies and children, breastmilk boosts their immune system. It lowers their risk of:
- Ear infections.
- Diarrhea.
- Allergies.
- Type 2 diabetes.
- Obesity.
- Childhood cancers.
- Sudden infant death syndrome.
- Other illnesses.
Breastfeeding promotes:
- Good oral development.
- Healthy eating.
- Intelligence.
- Emotional development.
Breastfeeding gives babies the best possible start to life. It is the ideal source of nutrition to help with their growth and development.
Mothers
Moms who breastfeed have less risk of:
- Some types of cancer.
- Heart disease.
- Diabetes.
- Depression.
- Osteoporosis.
- High blood pressure.
Breastfeeding helps moms recover from labor and delivery faster. It may also help mothers lose weight after they are pregnant.
What kind of help can mothers get if they want to breastfeed?
Breastfeeding is a learning process for both moms and babies. Some babies need more time and support to latch. Some moms have more challenges than others.
At first, breastfeeding moms may have discomfort related to breastfeeding. They may face challenges when returning to work or school. They may also need extra support from family and friends.
Women, Infants and Children (WIC)
You are not alone! WIC is here to help you on your breastfeeding journey. WIC can connect you with a breastfeeding peer counselor. These counselors are experienced breastfeeding moms who have faced or overcome similar challenges to you. They can support you during and after your pregnancy.
WIC also has:
- Lactation consultants.
- Regional breastfeeding liaisons.
- Breast pump loan programs.
- Breastfeeding classes.
- Support groups.
- Other resources.
You may qualify for WIC if you:
- Are pregnant, breastfeeding or just had a baby.
- Had a recent pregnancy loss.
- Have a child or care for a child under age 5.
- Have low-to-medium income.
- Receive Medi-Cal, CalWORKS (TANF) or CalFresh (SNAP) benefits.
To apply, call your county WIC office.
- Mariposa County: 209-383-4859.
- Merced County: 209-383-4859.
- Monterey County: 831-796-2888 or text 888-413-2599.
- San Benito County: 831-637-6871.
- Santa Cruz County: 831-722-7121.
Alliance members
If your health care is through Medi-Cal, you can also get services through Central California Alliance for Health (the Alliance).
You can sign up for our Healthy Moms and Healthy Babies (HMHB) program. This program helps women get early prenatal and postpartum care. It is offered at no cost to you.
Alliance members are eligible for a free breast pump if either:
- Mother or baby has medical issues that prevent nursing at the breast.
- Mother is returning to work or school and wants to keep breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding support at work
If you’re returning to work, you can still breastfeed your baby!
By pumping or breastfeeding during the workday, you can continue to make enough breastmilk to feed your baby. If you will be away from your baby long enough that you miss one feeding or more, you may need an electric breast pump.
When you are away from your baby or unable to breastfeed, pumping helps to:
- Keep up your milk supply. When you pump, your body releases more milk to replenish your baby’s supply of breastmilk. This is critical to make sure you’re making enough milk to feed your baby.
- Prevent pain and infection in your breasts. If you don’t breastfeed or pump throughout the day, your breasts can overfill with milk. This can be painful and even cause an infection.
You are protected by law to take time to breastfeed or pump milk during the workday. Your workplace must provide a private place for you to pump during the workday. This is true even if you are working outside as a farmworker.
WIC staff are here to help you plan your return to work or school. WIC can help you get electric breast pumps, cooler bags to store your breastmilk at work and more. Read about the resources WIC has for you to help you transition back to work.
How long should I breastfeed for?
Breastmilk is all your baby needs for the first 6 months.
After 6 months, you can start to offer your baby solid foods in addition to breastmilk. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends continued breastfeeding for up to 2 years and beyond.
Read WIC’s Guide to Breastfeeding to learn more.
Where can I find out more about breastfeeding support?
You can get help with breastfeeding at your county’s WIC office. You can also get support from local breastfeeding groups in your area. Go to the websites below to learn more.
Mariposa County
Merced County
Monterey County
San Benito County
Santa Cruz County
Upcoming breastfeeding events
Join us at these family-friendly August events. Celebrate breastfeeding and connect to local resources!
Monterey County
Annual Breastfeeding Awareness Walk
Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2024 in Salinas
Santa Cruz County
Annual Breastfeeding Health Fair
Friday, Aug. 9, 2024 in Watsonville
This article was written together with WIC staff from Mariposa, Merced, Monterey San Benito and Santa Cruz counties. Thank you, WIC!
