Learn the basics of breastfeeding
Get breastfeeding off to a good start with these tips and resources.
Learn more about breastfeeding
Breastfeeding your baby, like any new skill, may take some time and practice. WIC can help you feel like you have this!
WIC guide to breastfeeding and more
This how-to guide is full of practical tips.
Topics include:
- Getting off to a great start
- Finding comfortable positions
- Tips for a good latch
- Support of family, friends, and dad
- Breastfeeding questions and answers
For more information:
Breastfeeding Basics | United States Department of Agriculture
How do I keep up a good milk supply?
The more often you breastfeed, the more milk you will make.
Breastmilk Storage
Learn how to safely store breastmilk for your baby.
Getting to know your baby
Learning about baby behavior can help you understand your baby’s needs.
This booklet answers questions you may have about sleep, cues, and crying.
Marijuana and pregnancy
The choices that you make during pregnancy and after delivery can affect your baby's health now and in the years ahead.
Family support
Let close family and friends know that you are planning to breastfeed.
Visitors in hospital
Tell family and friends ahead of time that you will delay hospital visitors until after the first few hours.
Taking some quiet time will help baby adjust to their new life.
Your hospital nurse and partner can help manage early visitors, so you and baby can focus on breastfeeding.
Partners
Partners play an important role in breastfeeding. Let your partner know you may have lots of emotional ups and downs.
Share with them that breastfeeding take practice for both you and the baby. The more you practice the more confident you will become.
Talk about how they can support and encourage you to meet your breastfeeding goals.
For more information visit:
Dads | WIC Breastfeeding Support | United States Department of Agriculture
Grandparents
As you make your decision to breastfeed and welcome your baby, you may turn to your parents for guidance.
For more information visit:
Grandparents | WIC Breastfeeding Support | United StatesDepartment of Agriculture
Breastfeeding in the Hospital
Let your birthing team in the hospital know that you plan to breastfeed. Hospitals have staff trained in breastfeeding support that can help you learn to position and latch your baby right away. Ask for help before you leave the hospital.
3 newborn feeding secrets
Knowing these secrets will help you feel more confident feeding your baby.
The hospital experience
A newborn’s tummy size is very small. So, when you are in the hospital and it seems like only a little bit of breastmilk comes out, do not worry.
Your body knows just what to do.
Delivery room 101
Baby is on the way! Here is more information from the USDA on what to expect when breastfeeding in the hospital.
For more information visit:
Delivery Room 101 | United States Department of Agriculture
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Page Last Updated: February 8, 2024