Whether you're just starting out on your breastfeeding journey or having unexpected challenges, WIC is there to help you every step of the way. WIC's goal is the same as yours. We want you to have a happy, healthy baby and a good breastfeeding experience.

If you're already enrolled in WIC, contact your local WIC clinic to ask how you can get breastfeeding support. If you're not enrolled in WIC, find out if you're eligible to apply.

Getting Help

All WIC staff are trained to give the support you and your baby need. WIC staff will speak with you about your breastfeeding goals. They can help you figure out how to make breastfeeding work for you. They'll explain WIC's breastfeeding support and assign you a food package that meets your supplemental nutritional needs.

Peer Counselors

Many WIC clinics offer peer counseling. A WIC peer counselor is a mother in the community with personal breastfeeding experience who is trained to give information and support to new moms. She will mentor, coach, and support you. She can give you:

• Basic information about breastfeeding.
• Ideas on how your family and friends can support you.
• Ways to get a good start with breastfeeding.
• Tips for a healthy supply of breast milk for your baby.
• Support when you have breastfeeding concerns.
• Tips on how to breastfeed comfortably and discreetly, even in public.
• Advice to help you stick with breastfeeding after you return to work or school.

You can even reach some peer counselors outside of WIC clinic hours and locations. We know breastfeeding questions can happen anytime, anywhere.

Buddy Program

Looking for someone else with a baby the same age as yours to compare notes? Or for other pregnant moms with due dates close to yours?

The WIC Buddy Program pairs you with another new mom or a small group of new moms. With them, you can share experiences and give each other extra support and encouragement. Together, you can navigate the ins and outs and ups and downs of breastfeeding.

Designated Breastfeeding Experts

If you're having a complex breastfeeding challenge, a WIC Designated Breastfeeding Expert can help. This is someone with special experience and training who can help you with latching, milk supply issues, and more.

If you're already enrolled in WIC and would like to meet with one of WIC's breastfeeding support staff or be enrolled in the Buddy Program, visit your local WIC clinic. They can tell you if these services are available near you.

Additional Breastfeeding Resources

Looking for more breastfeeding resources?

The Office on Women's Health has information on breastfeeding, including Your Guide To Breastfeeding (PDF).

The Office on Women's Health also offers a helpline (800-994-9662). Trained breastfeeding counselors will answer the phone. The counselors answer questions in English and Spanish and give help, tips, and support. It is open Monday through Friday from 9 am to 6 pm Eastern Time.

USDA’s Myplate.gov helps breastfeeding moms eat healthy. It gives you information on these topics and more:  

• Making healthy food choices using the MyPlate Plan widget.
• Nutritional needs, whether you’re exclusively breastfeeding, feeding breast milk and formula, or feeding only formula.
• Safe food choices while breastfeeding.

The US Department of Labor tells you about nursing moms' rights to have break time to pump during work hours. You can find fact sheets in English and Spanish.