Welcome To Our Breastfeeding Page
The Importance of Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding creates a magical bond between mother and child, it is a special gift that only a mother can give, changing every day to meet the needs of her child. It is important to give your child breastmilk in infancy because it protects him/her from the flu, diarrhea, allergies, obesity, diabetes and many other health problems. It is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics that infants be exclusively breastfed (without the use of water, formula, or foods) for 6 months which greatly influences the amount of protection an infant can get from receiving breastmilk.
Ideally WIC would like moms to breastfeed their infants for a year and beyond as desired by mom and baby. Any amount of breastmilk can really help an infant to thrive in life, whatever milk mom can give is wonderful, she should be proud because she’s protecting her baby so much more. The benefits received from breastmilk will last an infant a lifetime of being healthier in life.
You don’t have to be an expert to know how to breastfed, we are here to help you through your journey. All a mother needs to do is trust that her body can make enough milk to feed her baby. If past experiences are clouding your mind, don’t be afraid to try again, every pregnancy is different. Breathe and take it one day at a time, newborn babies do not know how to breastfeed so take your time to learn together.
With the use of modern technology there are breast pumps that WIC can help with, along with many other services for you and your family.
Talking to employer about pumping or breastfeeding your child shouldn’t be a secret. You may be surprised at the type of support someone may offer. You never know what types situations others have experienced until you open up and let the world know what you want. Your employer may have had a baby of their own and may have experience with pumping or breastfeeding and may understand what you’re going through.


Family is important in helping a mother and child to successfully breastfeed. Family can help mom with chores around the house, cooking, cleaning, tending to the other children, giving mom enough time to sit down and nourish the new generation of your family. With proper family support anything can be done like going to school, work, help at school functions, travel, enjoy a date night. This is something that shouldn’t hold a mother back, that’s why family is so important to be there and cheer mom on.
Staci's Words
Breastfeeding Counselor
We are here to help you make an informed decision on how you chose to feed your baby. Breastfeeding isn't an all or nothing thing, any amount of breastfeeding helps your baby in the long run. Breastfeeding is like a dance, say you've never tried salsa before so you take a couple classes and before your know it you and your partner have learn together, although it may not be the same for the couple next to you, you've learned in your own way. This is true for Breastfeeding, its a dance between mom and baby, together they will learn what's best, WIC is here to teach techniques that make it easier to learn the dance.


Breastfeeding Classes
Classes are open to everyone, pregnant women, postpartum women, & current breastfeeding moms along with soon to be fathers and other support persons are highly encouraged to attend these classes.
Many newly pregnant women have very little knowledge of breastfeeding and have heard many stories about breastfeeding from friends and family. The class is to teach the basics of breastfeeding, answering or eliminating any concerns individuals may have and be able to help expecting families make an informed decision on how they choose to feed their infant. This can also be a place of support to current breastfeeding mothers helping them to continue to breastfeed as long as they desire.
Class time is usually scheduled for 45-60 minutes, depending on discussions


Breastfeeding Resources
Check out the WIC Breastfeeding channel on YouTube!!
AZ Department of Health Services
www.azdhs.gov/phs/bnp.gobreastmilk/index.htm
Breastfeeding Hotline 1-800-833-4642
www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/breastfeeding-14/default.htm
Phoenix Indian Medical Center
Breastfeeding Hotline 1-877-868-9473
Hopi Public Health Nurses, IBCLC:
Kay Lynn Andrews (928)737-6262
Nayereh Sabripour (928)737-6053

