County WIC agency offers breastfeeding support

Waseca County Women Infants and Children (WIC) and the Minnesota WIC Program are celebrating August as National Breastfeeding Month by reminding families to take advantage of the lactation support and education WIC provides for pregnant and breastfeeding parents.

 

Breastfeeding includes feeding human milk at the breast, chest, or by pumping. Waseca County WIC knows that breastfeeding provides important health benefits for babies, mothers, birthing parents, and families. Waseca County WIC supports feeding human milk to infants in any amount and provides support and resources before and during a family’s infant feeding journey.

 

WIC provides support to families through talking about the importance of human milk; providing extra foods to support a lactating parent’s nutrition needs; and providing resources to help families reach their infant feeding goals.

 

Every family deserves support so they can reach their infant feeding goals. The WIC program is dedicated to closing the gap and improving breastfeeding initiation rates for WIC participants compared to all Minnesota breastfeeding initiation rates.

 

“Breastfeeding is a journey, and no parent should have to navigate it alone,” said Tiffany Stenzel, CLC, WIC Breastfeeding Coordinator. “Whether families choose to breastfeed, formula feed, or use a combination of both, our goal is to provide personalized support, education, and encouragement. We know that having someone to turn to can make all the difference as parents work through challenges, celebrate milestones, and build confidence in feeding their baby.” 

 

Families who apply for WIC early in pregnancy and connect with WIC for infant feeding support throughout pregnancy and after birth have the best opportunity to meet their feeding goals for their baby.

 

Learn more about WIC breastfeeding support at the Minnesota Department of Health’s WIC Breastfeeding webpage: https://www.health.state.mn.us/people/wic/bf/index.html.

For more information, contact Waseca County WIC office at 507-835-0685.