Why WIC Promotes Breastfeeding

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), “breastfeeding is associated with a 36% reduced risk of SIDS.” AAP further states that breastfeeding lowers the risk of ear infections, respiratory tract infections, gastroenteritis, asthma, obesity, diabetes, celiac disease and leukemia in children as well as reducing the risk of breast and ovarian cancer in women. Breastfeeding improves health outcomes, lowers health care costs and saves lives!

Mother’s milk and formula are NOT the same, not even close!

Read more about the differences between Mother's milk and formula.
Infant formula was initially designed as a medical substitute for babies unable to breastfeed. As part of medical nutrition therapy, formula fills a critical need. Unfortunately, after its introduction, formula was also given to infants who were able to breastfeed and soon replaced breastfeeding as the cultural norm.
In the past, mothers tried to stretch formula via over-dilution and/or using inappropriate products such as evaporated milk. To prevent these practices, WIC provides formula to mothers who choose not to breastfeed for cultural or medical reasons. There is concern that mothers would resort to inappropriate products again. However, WIC’s long-term objective is to re-establish breastfeeding as the desirable cultural norm.

Breastfeeding is GOOD for families.

Breastfeeding hotline for WIC participants:

call 1-855-4-ASK-MOM to reach the WIC breastfeeding hotline.

Are you pregnant and preparing to breastfeed? Have you just started to breastfeed? Are you facing some bumps in the road? No matter where you are on your breastfeeding journey, WIC Breastfeeding Support website has resources that can help! Explore the Stages of Breastfeeding to find information, learn how to overcome common challenges, and celebrate your success.