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Breastfeeding 101

Breastfeeding is a special gift that only you can give your baby. But there's a lot to learn, and it may take some time to get the hang of it. WIC can help. The more you know, the more comfortable you will feel the first time you breastfeed your baby.

Learn the breastfeeding basics.

From facts about breast milk to signs that your baby is hungry, WIC has the information you need. Learn how to prepare for the first few feedings. See why holding your baby skin-to-skin is so important. Find out how your breast milk changes. And discover how much milk your growing baby needs.

Breastfeeding is worth it—for your baby, you, and your entire family.

Here's what you need to get started!

Breastfeeding Benefits

Breastfeeding gives babies a healthy start—and is good for moms, too.

Breastfeeding basics

Learn how milk is made, when to nurse, how long babies nurse, and more.

Common Breastfeeding Challenges

Breastfeeding challenges are common, but knowing what to expect and when to get help can help you overcome them.

Breastfeeding supplies

You don’t need any fancy equipment, but some things can make breastfeeding easier.

Set yourself up for breastfeeding success starting on day one

Set yourself up for breastfeeding success starting on day one.

Letter to your future self

Breastfeeding can be challenging. Write a letter to your future self to help you recommit on the hard days.

Talk to Your Family about Breastfeeding

Talk about why you choose to breastfeed, and ask for your family’s support.

Delivery room 101

Baby is on the way! Here’s what to expect when you’re in the hospital.

Bringing Baby Home

Your baby is here! See what to expect your first few days at home.

Phases of Breast Milk

Learn about the 3 phases of breast milk and why each is good for your baby.

How breast milk is made.

The human body is amazing. Find out how your breasts make milk for your baby.

Setting your Breastfeeding Goals

Set your short- and long-term goals for breastfeeding before baby arrives.

Baby Hunger Cues

Learn how to tell when your baby is hungry—or full.

Nutrition While Breastfeeding Image of Food

A nutritious, balanced diet helps you stay energetic and make plenty of milk for your baby.

Image of Five Breastfeeding Holds

Try these ways to hold your baby, and figure out what works best for you.

Clutch or Football Hold

Use the clutch hold to breastfeed your baby.

Cross Cradle or Transitional Position

Use the cross-cradle hold to breastfeed your baby.

Cradle Hold

Use the cradle hold to breastfeed your baby.

Laid back or straddle position

Use the laid-back hold to breastfeed your baby.

Side Lying Position

Use the side-lying position to breastfeed your baby.

Steps and signs of a good latch

These tips help you get a good latch—and know if you have one.

Counselor speaking with a mother

Whether you’re just starting out or having challenges, WIC is there for you at every step.

Cluster feeding and growth spurt

Learn about cluster feeding and what to expect during baby’s growth spurts.

Breast and Nipple Size and Shape

You can breastfeed no matter what the size and shape of your breast and nipple.

Ways Your Friends and Family Can Help You

Learn about the ways your friends and family can support you.

What's in Your WIC Food Package

What’s in your food package depends on whether you’re breastfeeding and your baby’s age.

Weaning Your Baby Picture of Mom Feeding Infant

Knowing when and how to wean baby can be confusing. Learn how you can make the process a positive one.

Using Bottles with a Breastfed Baby

Planning to be apart from baby? Find tips for feeding baby with expressed milk.

Learning to Pump and Hand Express Milk

It may take practice, but soon you’ll be a pro at pumping and hand expression.

Breastfeeding Alcohol Drugs, and Smoking

Limit or avoid smoking, most drugs, and alcohol for baby’s health and yours.

Mom with Mask Holding Baby

Set yourself up for success while traveling and breastfeeding.

Engorgement Picture of Mom Kissing Babys Head

Breastfeeding During Disasters

Breastfeeding basics

You know that breastfeeding has benefits for baby (and mom!) so try this quiz to see how much you know!

Returning to work or school

Planning ahead may make the transition to work or school easier. Take this quiz to gather tips to feel prepared and confident to meet your breastfeeding goals when you return to school or work.

Understanding your baby's hunger cues

Feeding your baby is important for their growth and development. Get a better understanding of your baby’s hunger cues with this quiz!

Partner Supporting Breastfeeding

Set yourself up for breastfeeding success starting on day one with these ideas for planning your delivery.

WIC Food Package

You have the chance to let us know what you think about the WIC food packages!

Mom Holding Baby

Check out this Setting Breastfeeding Goals quiz and celebrate you and your baby accomplishing your breastfeeding goals!

Taking Care of You Quiz

Try this quiz to learn about more ways to take care of yourself and how to find resources and support while breastfeeding!

combination feeding

Qué es la alimentación combinada, cómo usarla y cómo seguir produciendo leche.

Baby Hunger Cues

Aprenda a saber cuándo su bebé tiene hambre o está lleno.

Conceptos básicos de la lactancia materna

Aprenda cómo se produce la leche, cuándo amamantar, cuánto tiempo se necesita amamantar a los bebés y más.

Alimentación en racimos y crecimiento acelerado

Aprenda sobre la alimentación en racimos y lo que puede esperar durante el crecimiento acelerado del bebé.

Steps and signs of a good latch

Estos consejos le ayudan a obtener un buen agarre de la boca del bebé en el área del pezón de la mamá y saber si lo obtuvo.

How Breast Milk is Made

El cuerpo humano es asombroso. Descubra cómo sus senos producen leche para su bebé.

Low Milk Supply

Check out this Milk Supply quiz to learn more about signs of a low milk supply and ways to maintain your milk supply while breastfeeding!