Women, Infants and Children Breastfeeding Promotion and Support
Research has shown that breast milk is the best food for baby’s
first year of life. Breastfeeding provides many health,
nutritional, economical and emotional benefits to mother and
baby. Since a major goal of the WIC Program is to improve
nutrition and health, WIC mothers are encouraged to breastfeed
their infants. WIC promotes breastfeeding to all pregnant women
as the optimal infant feeding choice, unless medically
contraindicated. - WIC mothers choosing to breastfeed are
provided information through counseling and breastfeeding
educational materials. - Breastfeeding mothers are eligible to
participate in WIC longer than non-breastfeeding mothers -
Mothers who exclusively breastfeed their infants receive an
enhanced food package. - Breastfeeding mothers can receive
breast pumps to help support the initiation and continuation of
breastfeeding. - All health departments in Tennessee have a
staff person who is responsible for coordinating breastfee