August is National Breastfeeding Month! Did you know that breastfeeding is good for the health of both mother and baby? Here is some helpful information 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, breast milk boosts their immune system. It lowers their risk of:
- Ear infections.
- Diarrhea.
- Allergies.
- Type 2 diabetes.
- Obesity.
- Childhood cancers.
- Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
- Other illnesses.
Breastfeeding promotes:
- Good oral development.
- Responding to your baby’s hunger cues.
- Brain development.
- 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 lower risk of:
- Some types of cancer.
- Heart disease.
- Diabetes.
- Depression.
- Osteoporosis.
- High blood pressure.
Breastfeeding helps moms share a special bond with their baby and recover from labor and delivery faster. It may also help some moms lose weight more quickly 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 worry about milk supply. They may face challenges when returning to work or school. They may also need extra support from family and friends.
You may feel overwhelmed or frustrated if breastfeeding is not going as well as you had hoped. It is okay to ask for help!
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 may have faced similar challenges. They can support you during and after your pregnancy.
WIC has:
- Lactation consultants.
- Regional breastfeeding liaisons.
- Breast pump loan programs.
- Breastfeeding classes.
- Support groups.
They can also refer you to community 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.
- Live in California.
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 during the workday, you can continue to make enough breast milk 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.
Pumping helps to:
- Keep up your milk supply. When you pump, your body makes more milk to replenish your supply of breast milk. This is critical to make sure you keep making enough milk to feed your baby while you are at work.
- 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 an electric breast pump, milk storage bags or cooler bags to store your breast milk at work. Read about the resources WIC has for you to help you transition back to work.
How long should I breastfeed for?
Breast milk 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 breast milk. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends continued breastfeeding for up to 2 years and beyond (as long as both mom and baby want to continue).
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 with local resources!
Mariposa County
Mariposa County Lactation Lounge
Visit the WIC Facebook events page for upcoming events.
Merced County
Merced Breastfeeding Celebration & Walk
Saturday, September 19, 2026 from 10 a.m. to noon
Rahilly Park
3400 N. Parsons Avenue, Merced, CA 95430
Go to the Merced Breastfeeding Network Facebook page for more information.
Monterey County
19th Annual Breastfeeding Walk & Health Fair
Tuesday, August 4, 2026 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
632 E. Alisal Street, Salinas, CA 93905
San Benito County
Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital World Breastfeeding Celebration Drive-Through Event
Friday, July 31, 2026 from 10:30 a.m. to noon
Hazel Hawkins Women’s Center
911 Sunset Drive, Hollister, CA 95023
San Benito Health Foundation Breastfeeding Walk
Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at 10 a.m.
San Benito Health Foundation
351 Felice Drive, Hollister, CA 95023
Santa Cruz County
19th Annual Breastfeeding Walk and Fair
Friday, August 7, 2026 from 3 to 5 p.m.
Community Bridges Plaza
18 West Lake Avenue, Watsonville, CA 95076
This article was written together with WIC staff from Mariposa, Merced, Monterey San Benito and Santa Cruz counties. Thank you, WIC!
