Breastfeeding is normal and healthy for infants and mothers. Breast milk has hormones and disease-fighting cells called antibodies that help protect infants from germs and illness. This protection is unique and changes to meet your baby’s needs. Some reasons to breastfeed are:
- Breastfeeding offers essential nutrients and a nutritionally balanced meal
- Breast milk is easy to digest
- Breast milk fights disease
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding for at least 12 months, and for as long as both the mother and baby would like. Most infants need only breast milk for the first six months of life.
The experience of breastfeeding is special for so many reasons: the health benefits for both mother and baby, the joyful closeness and bonding with your baby, and the cost savings.
Breastfeeding promotion and support is an integral part of the WIC Program.
The WIC Program provides:
- Trained breastfeeding personnel ready to assist mothers in making informed decisions about their infant feeding choice
- Breastfeeding peer counselors to provide support and counseling to WIC mothers
- Breastfeeding aids, such as manual and electric pumps or referral to sources of these items
- A special food package to participants who only breastfeed their babies. This food package includes fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as additional amounts of cheese, juice, peanut butter or dry beans and canned fish
- Referrals to lactation consultants or other resources
- Breastfeeding classes for anyone interested in breastfeeding. Learn more on what to expect and how to breastfeed
Breastfeeding Support in the District
- Breastfeeding Center for Greater Washington
- Children’s National Health System East of the River Lactation Support Center
- District of Columbia Breastfeeding Resource Guide (English) [PDF]
- District of Columbia Breastfeeding Resource Guide (Spanish) [PDF]
- Find a Lactation Consultant
- Howard University Hospital National Breastfeeding Support Center
- La Leche League Group Washington, DC
- Mamatoto Village Perinatal Family Support Organization
- MedStar Georgetown University Hospital Parenting and Lactation Services
- Sibley Memorial Hospital Lactation Services
- WIC Breastfeeding Program