Breastfeeding...we are here for you!
Manitowoc County WIC Program encourages and supports breastfeeding as the best way to feed your baby, with significant benefits for infants and mothers.
Terri is our breastfeeding Coordinator who is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. Terri is a Mom who has breastfed and wants to help other moms succeed in nursing their babies. She will provide you with information and encouragement, answer your questions, and give you examples of what to expect in the first days and weeks after you have your baby.
What are the benefits of breastfeeding?
All mothers and fathers want to give their babies the best start. Breastfeeding provides the best nutrition possible. Studies have shown, and the American Academy of Pediatrics agrees that breast milk has ALL the nutrients your baby needs, and in just the right amounts for the first 6 months without adding water, formula, or solid foods. Babies should continue to breastfeed for a year and for as long as is mutually desired by the mother and baby.
- Breast milk helps protect the baby from many illnesses; earaches, colic, allergies, constipation, diarrhea, pneumonia, and diabetes to name a few.
- Breastfeeding helps protect moms from breast and ovarian cancers, and osteoporosis.
- Breastfeeding helps mom’s tummy and weight return to normal more quickly. Breastfeeding women burn about 600 additional calories per day.
- Breast milk is free and ecofriendly.
- Breast milk is always available and always the right temperature and feeding can be done discreetly.
- Breast milk is portable and doesn’t require extra planning when you want to leave the house.
- Breast milk is good for bonding; breastfeeding offers moms special moments to share with their baby.
- Breast milk is good for relaxing, breastfeeding triggers the release of oxytocin (commonly called the maternal hormone), which helps relax both mother and infant.
- Breastfed babies have seedy yellow stools with little odor.
Great breastfeeding information resources: