• Learn about the benefits of breastfeeding.
• See the reasons why breastfeeding is the gift of a lifetime.
• Compared to mother’s breastmilk, formula is missing many things babies need to be strong and healthy.
• For dads – Your love and support make a healthy, happy family.  Learn some ways you can support breastfeeding.

I don’t think I can make enough milk

Your body and breasts were made to breastfeed your baby.  The more often you breastfeed, the more milk your body will make.

• How do I know if I am making enough milk?
• Take this quiz to determine if you have enough breastmilk.

I need to go back to work or school

Many women continue to breastfeed and provide their baby with their breastmilk when they return to work or school.

• Learn some ways WIC can help you continue to provide your baby breastmilk even when you are apart.
• Deciding to use a breast pump?  Learn some helpful tips for using a pump and helpful ideas to help get your milk flowing!
• Whether you just need a little relief or need to miss a feeding, hand expression is very useful to learn.  Included in this handout is also breastmilk storage guidelines and tips for thawing breastmilk.
• Hand Expression Video

I’ve heard that breastfeeding hurts

Breastfeeding shouldn’t hurt.  If breastfeeding hurts, most often it is because your baby is not latched on correctly.  It is common for most women to experience nipple soreness while breastfeeding.

• Learn some helpful ways to prevent and reduce nipple soreness, including ways to properly latch baby onto breast.

It is also important to breastfeed regularly so your breasts do not become engorged (uncomfortably full, hard or warm).  It is very important to treat engorgement quickly.

• It may helpful to know what causes engorgement and what can help.

My baby was born premature and is not able to latch

Babies who are born three or more weeks before their due date need mother’s milk to help them grow and develop, protect them from disease and help them with digestion.  Only breastmilk can do all that.

• Learn some tips to help give your premature baby the best possible start.

Moms helping moms – Someone with you every step of the way…

Breastfeeding Peer Counselors share breastfeeding information and offer breastfeeding support.  They are moms who have breastfed and are trained to help you breastfeed too.  Your peer counselor will be with you every step of the way from your pregnancy through the first year.  She will provide you with the information you need, answer questions and support your decision- whatever you decide.

Your Breastfeeding Peer Counselor can help if:

• you have questions about breastfeeding
• you are getting frustrated
• friends or family are pushing you to stop breastfeeding
• things just aren’t working out with breastfeeding

Breastfeeding peer counselors are available for WIC clients at Pascua Yaqui WIC Program and Native Health WIC.

For more information, contact:

Pascua Yaqui 
Health Services Division WIC Program
7490 S. de Oeste
Tucson, AZ 85757
WIC Clinic Phone Number: (520) 879-6113

Native Health WIC – Main
4520 N. Central Ave. Suite 350
Phoenix, AZ 85012
WIC Clinic Phone Number: (602) 279-2562

Native Health WIC – 16^th Street
4212 N. 16^th St., Building 300
Phoenix, AZ 85016
WIC Clinic Phone Number: (602) 279-5351

Native Health WIC – Dunlap
2432 W. Dunlap, Suite 140
Phoenix, AZ 85021
WIC Clinic Phone Number: (602) 279-5351

As an ITCA WIC client  you can gain access to free 24/7 virtual lactation services by downloading the Pacify App. Contact your local WIC clinic for more information or sign up directly on the Pacify website.

There is a breastfeeding hotline available for 24 hours a day/ 7 days a week. You can call 1-800-833-4642  if you have questions about breastfeeding problems, medications, etc.

You may also contact your local WIC clinic for help: List of Clinics

Links to external resources are provided as a public service and do not imply endorsement by the Inter Tribal Council of Arizona, Inc. WIC Program.

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• National Women’s Health Information Center
• Easy Guide to Breastfeeding for American Indian and Alaska Native Families (PDF)
• Indian Health Service - Breastfeeding Promotion and Support
• La Leche League of Arizona
• U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Breast Pump Website
• United State Department of Labor – Break Time for Nursing Mothers