Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Program at East Side Health District

“Breastfeeding” You can do it and WIC can help!

WIC Peer Counselors are moms, just like you. They can help you learn about breastfeeding your baby. They can also answer any breastfeeding questions that you may have and are available to help over the phone or in person.

The Peer Counselors are women who have breastfed their children and received training in breastfeeding techniques, special circumstances, and counseling. They share information and exchange ideas with you.

WIC offers weekly infant feeding classes for you and your family and the WIC office has a breastfeeding library containing books, videos and handouts for you to use.

Did you know that you’ll get more WIC benefits if you breastfeed your baby? If you are exclusively breastfeeding your baby (only breast milk, no formula), you will receive additional foods on your WIC checks, such as tuna fish and carrots, in addition to the basic WIC foods. WIC believes that Breastfeeding is the Best Feeding!

This institution is an equal-opportunity provider

This is what they offer?

• Support
• One-on-one counseling
• Pamphlets
• Telephone contacts
• Lending book and video library
• Manual/electric pumps
• Home visits if needed
• Help with combining breastfeeding with work or school

Why Breastfeed?

Breast milk has more of the good things your baby needs.

Benefits to Mom

• Back in shape faster
• Weight Loss
• Convenience
• Cost (less expensive)
• Bonding
• Less time off from work or school due to a sick child
• Decreased risk of certain diseases such as:
  • Ovarian Cancer
  • Urinary tract infections
  • Osteoporosis
  • Breast Cancer

Benefits to Baby:

• Best nutrition available
• Fewer allergies
• Easily digested
• Higher IQ
• Less obesity
• Bonding
• Decreased risk of certain diseases and infections such as:
  • Ear, respiratory and intestinal tract infections
  • Fewer illnesses and hospitalizations
  • Diarrhea
  • Childhood diabetes
  • Some types of cancer

Breastfeeding Tips

Positioning

• Position baby on his side, facing mother “tummy to tummy” baby’s nose at mom’s nipple
• Tip of baby’s nose and chin should touch breast when latching on

Frequency

• Breastfeed within the first hour of life or as soon as possible
• Feed on baby’s cue (i.e. hand to mouth, rooting and sucking movements)

Signs of Adequate Breast Milk Intake

• Nursing 8-12 times per 24 hours
• At least 6 wet diapers per 24 hours

Growth Spurts

During growth spurts, the baby will want to nurse more often for approximately one to three days. You will usually see growth spurts at:

• 10-14 days
• 4-6 weeks
• 3 months
• 6 months

The following links have information on breastfeeding:

Breastfeeding: MedlinePlus

Baby Center: Breastfeeding Basics

Kelly Mom: Breastfeeding

March Of Dimes: Breastfeeding is best

How can I get in touch?

East St. Louis Office 618-874-4713 x 219

Cahokia Office 618-337-4178