The Florida WIC program promotes and supports breastfeeding. Breastfeeding is a normal part of mothers and babies being together. To get off to a good start, learn all you can about breastfeeding during your pregnancy.
Benefits of Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding has a lot of health benefits for both mom and baby:
- Infants who are breastfed have a lower risk of developing ear infections, asthma, respiratory infections, diarrhea and vomiting, childhood obesity, eczema, type 2 diabetes, childhood leukemia, and sudden unexpected infant death.
- For mothers, breastfeeding can help you recover more quickly from childbirth, and reduce your risk for high blood pressure, certain breast and ovarian cancers, type 2 diabetes, and may help you lose weight after childbirth.
Breastfeeding Your Baby
Learn the basics of breastfeeding and how you can nurture your baby’s future.
Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Program
Breastfeeding peer counselors assist mothers by providing their personal breastfeeding experience and local expertise that can help mothers achieve their own infant feeding goals. A WIC peer counselor can give you:
- Tips for how to breastfeed comfortably and discreetly, even in public
- Ways you can stay close to your baby through breastfeeding after you return to work or school
- Ideas for getting support from your family and friends
- Secrets for making plenty of breast milk for your baby
- Help with breastfeeding concerns, such as sore nipples and engorgement
- Shows you how to get more help from other health care professionals, if needed
For more information, call 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 Ocala Facility.
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 Ocala Facility.
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.
For more information, call 352-644-2674.
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.
Breastfeeding Warmline: 352-644-2674
Have breastfeeding questions and support? We can help answer questions about breastfeeding! The Breastfeeding Warmline is available to all residents of Marion County. Call us from 8 a.m. – 9 p.m., daily. Calls are returned within 24 hours.
Donating Breastmilk
Mother’s Milk Bank of Florida: 407-248-5050
8669 Commodity Circle, Suite 490, Orlando FL 32819
Local Support and Resources
On Strong Florida Moms you can find FREE classes and events in your area about topics, such as breastfeeding, developmental milestones, choosing a daycare, safe sleep, car seat safety, and other community resources to support you as your family grows.
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
Postpartum Support International: 800-944-4773 (English, En Espanol)
Postpartum depression and perinatal mood disorders education and online support groups