Skip Global navigation and goto content
Left navigation requires javascript to be enabled in your browser.

Breastfeeding Support

Marion County WIC

Breastfeeding Program 

The WIC Program of Marion County offers breastfeeding support for pregnant and breastfeeding families. That includes access to peer counselors, certified lactation counselors and lactation consultants, breast pumps through our loan program, and breastfeeding classes.   

The Florida Department of Health in Marion County (DOH-Marion) can answer your questions about breastfeeding, pumping, and lactation support. To learn more, call the Breastfeeding Warmline at 352-644-2674.

Peer Counselor Program

WIC's Breastfeeding team

WIC clients are assigned peer counselors who offer individualized support and provide ways to:

  • Get breastfeeding off to a good start
  • Help you breastfeed when returning to work or school
  • Gather support from family and friends to assist with breastfeeding
  • Breastfeed comfortably and discreetly in public

If you have breastfeeding concerns such as latching difficulties, a baby in the NICU, or improving your milk supply, one of our Advanced Lactation Consultants (ALC) can provide a specialized consultation. You can reach our counselors by calling our Breastfeeding Warmline at 352-644-2674.

Education

Breastfeeding may seem like a natural thing but sometimes mothers need some extra help. DOH-Marion’s WIC clients can attend Breastfeeding Classes for FREE! The class will go over essential skills such as latching and positioning of the infant. The sessions are held twice a month at DOH-Marion’s headquarters, 1801 SE 32nd Ave., Ocala, FL 34471. 

DOH-Marion’s WIC Program also offers the Mom & Baby Club, a relaxed, fun atmosphere for breastfeeding mothers, fathers, and children. We provide information, support, refreshments, and lots of fun. The club meets once a month at DOH-Marion’s headquarters, 1801 SE 32nd Ave., Ocala, FL, 34471. 

Breast Pump Loan Program 

DOH-Marion’s WIC Program has breast pumps available to lend to qualified breastfeeding mothers who are in the program. WIC staff will determine if you qualify for an electric breast pump.

If you have Medicaid or private insurance, DOH-Marion asks that you check with your insurance to see if breast pumps are covered.

Call 352-644-2674 for more information. 

Breastfeeding Warmline

WIC Breastfeeding Warmline flyer. Click on the image or link below to open a PDF in a new window.

Have breastfeeding questions or need support? We can help answer questions about breastfeeding. The Breastfeeding Warmline is available to all residents of Marion County. Call us at 352-644-2674 from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., daily. Calls are returned within 24 hours.

Resources

Anyone in the community, including those who are not in our WIC program, can find additional resources below.

DOH-Marion

  • Healthy Start - 352-644-2717
    Provides breastfeeding education and support to all pregnant women, women between pregnancies, infants, and children up to age 3. Healthy Start clients are eligible to receive breast pumps when not covered by insurance.

Donating Breastmilk

Local Support Groups

  • WIC (Women, Infant, and Children) - 352-622-1161
    Mom & Baby Club, 10-11 a.m., First Wednesday of the month
    1801 SE 32nd Ave, Ocala, FL 34471

Help Line