When Every Breastfeeding Journey Is Different, Support Makes All the Difference 

The first weeks of breastfeeding can bring unexpected challenges, from pain and latch difficulties to concerns about milk supply and finding the support parents need. Without help,

Viviana Larios, a WIC Certifier at the West Valley WIC office, sends a referral to a WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor for a mother who requested help with breastfeeding.

some families stop breastfeeding sooner than they hoped.

Nationwide, more than 85% of mothers begin breastfeeding, but only 62% are still breastfeeding at six months, and fewer than 41% continue to 12 months. Helping families navigate breastfeeding challenges is at the heart of the work our Nutrition Services and WIC teams do every day.

"Sometimes we're their cheerleader, sometimes we're their sounding board," said Stacey Busey, WIC Supervisor, Registered Dietitian, and Lactation Consultant. "Connecting families with the support they need is what helps them reach their goals one day, week, month, and year at a time."

Breast milk contains antibodies that help protect infants from illness while supporting healthy growth and development. Research has linked breastfeeding to lower risks of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), asthma, obesity, and diabetes. Mothers can see benefits as well, with reduced risks of breast and ovarian cancers, Type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease (CDC).

Many struggle with simply not knowing what normal feeding looks like during a baby's first days of life. When expectations don't match reality, concerns about feeding patterns or milk supply can quickly become stressful.

The Nutrition Services and WIC teams help families with specialized lactation consultants, registered dietitians, and Breastfeeding Peer Counselors. Families have access to one-on-one guidance, breastfeeding education, virtual and in-person consultations, and referrals to additional community resources to meet their specific needs. Through education, encouragement, and one-on-one support, families receive the guidance they need to work through obstacles and stay focused on the goals that matter most to them.