Breastfeeding Information

What you can find...

Need help?  Have questions?

Contact the Breastfeeding Support Helpline @ 1-800-994-9662

The National Women's Health Information Center's information specialists can help with common breastfeeding issues such as nursing positions, questions about pumping and storing, and provide support moms and dads need to make breastfeeding a success. The helpline, which operates in both English and Spanish, is open to nursing mothers, as well as partners, families, prospective parents, health professionals, and institutions seeking to better educate new mothers about the benefits of breastfeeding. Please note:  The helpline is an information and referral service only and does not provide a medical diagnosis or answer medical questions.

Within Reach offers a wealth of information on breastfeeding topics including:

• Reasons to breastfeed
• Working and breastfeeding
• How to find help in your community
• Getting started
• Breastfeeding a premature infant
• Breast care
• Storing breastmilk
• Nutrition and weight loss
• Breastfeeding and family planning

Visit the Within Reach website at www.hmhbwa.org or call them at 1-800-322-2588.

Return to top

Breastfeeding Websites and Publications

Links to external resources are provided as a public service and do not imply endorsement by the Washington State Department of Health.

• Breastfeeding Coalition of Washington
• Breastfeeding Topics - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• Breastfeeding Topics - National Women's Health Information Center
• Easy Guide to Breastfeeding for African American Women (PDF, 860 KB)
• La Leche League
• National Breastfeeding Awareness Campaign - US DHHS Office on Women's Health
• United States Breastfeeding Committee Publications
• What WIC is doing to support breastfeeding
• Within Reach

Return to top

What Moms Say About Breastfeeding

Why breastfeeding is the best choice

• Your breast milk is always available when your baby wants it. Anytime.  Anywhere.
• Your breast milk changes to meet the needs of your growing baby. Formula stays the same.
• Babies need different amounts of food.  Breastfed babies get just the right amount.
• Although formula provides the nutrition babies need to grow, it is important to know that breastfeeding gives your baby so much more.

Back to What Moms Say

Return to Top

Breastfeeding is more than just food.

• It is the beginning of a special relationship between you and your baby.
• When you breastfeed, you have a relationship with your baby that no one else can have.

Back to What Moms Say

Return to Top

Breast milk protects your baby's health.

Breast milk is a special food that supplies perfect nutrition for your baby. Each time you breastfeed you will also be helping your baby fight germs.

Breastfed babies have:

• Fewer ear infections.
• Less diarrhea and less constipation.
• Fewer illnesses like colds and flu. If a breastfed baby gets sick, the illness is usually milder and doesn't last as long.

Breastfeeding helps protect against:

• Allergies
• Asthma
• Some childhood cancers
• Diabetes

Back to What Moms Say

Return to Top

Breastfeeding saves money.

Formula is expensive. If you decide not to breastfeed, WIC supplies some of the formula your baby will need. As your baby grows you will have to buy more formula than WIC supplies. You will also spend money on bottles, nipples, and other equipment.

Back to What Moms Say

Return to Top

Breastfeeding helps the environment.

Breastfeeding is natural and good for the environment. There is no waste when you breastfeed; formula cans and old bottles add to our landfills.

Back to What Moms Say

Return to Top

Breastfeeding is good for you too!

• You will not need to wash bottles or heat formula. Your milk is naturally clean and warm.
• You won't need to stumble around in the dark to make your baby's bottle. Your milk is ready and warm.
• Breastfed babies smell sweeter and their diapers do not have an unpleasant odor.
• Breastfed babies are less likely to spit up than formula-fed babies. When they do, it does not stain like formula.
• Your uterus will return to its normal size faster when you breastfeed.
• Breastfeeding reduces the risk of some types of ovarian and breast cancer.
• Sitting down to breastfeed will help you rest and retain your strength after pregnancy. Breastfeeding hormones will help you relax and feel close to your baby.

Back to What Moms Say

Return to Top

Quotes from moms:

• “I feel a confidence that breast milk is from me. I wouldn't give my baby anything else.”
• “People say you bond, but when I was pregnant I thought, ‘bonding-what does that mean?’ But now I know!”
• “Not only is nursing the easiest and most convenient way, it's also the healthiest thing I can do.”
• “My baby has gotten so close through breastfeeding. We have a special type of bond now.”
• “It's so soothing to her and calms her down when she's upset. It's the bonding.”
• “I read a lot and heard it was better to breastfeed. I'm really glad I decided to breastfeed. At first it was hard, but he's so healthy—it's really worth it. After the first week, it got easy.”
• “What I'm producing makes him grow and it's the most amazing thing.”
• “The wonderful thing about breastfeeding is to see her grow because of what I'm giving her. My husband likes it because he doesn't have to get up and feed her or deal with the bottles.”
• “To breastfeed a baby is the most wonderful experience a mother can have. That is because a baby is part of ourselves. When you nurse, you feel that it is the best thing you can do for him.”
• “Breastfeeding is a wonderful bonding for both Mom and baby. It makes me feel good to know that as a mother I'm giving my baby the best that she deserves. It makes me feel loved as well.”
• “What I like the very best about breastfeeding is when I am feeding and he looks up and smiles!”

Back to What Moms Say

Return to Top

Interesting Links

In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. To file a complaint, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call 800-795-3272 (voice) or 202-720-6382 (TTY). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Washington WIC does not discriminate.

DOH Home | Access Washington | Privacy Notice | Disclaimer/Copyright Information

WIC Program
Washington State Department of Health
PO Box 47886
Olympia, Washington, 98504-7886

Last Update:  10/02/2009 12:31 PM
Send inquires about DOH and its programs to the Health Consumer Assistance Office.
Comments or questions regarding this web site? Send an email to the WIC Web Coordinator.