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.
The Florida Department of Health in Santa Rosa County has an international board-certified lactation consultant who is ready to assist you in making informed decisions about your feeding choice while instructing you in the basics of breastfeeding. To speak with our lactation consultant, please call 850-983-5250.
We can help you become the confident breastfeeding momma you were meant to be. Our breastfeeding coordinator and peer counselors are available by phone seven-days-a-week to assist mothers in making informed decisions about infant feeding.
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 infant death syndrome.
- 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 Facts
Did you know that there are substantial health benefits for both mother and baby while breastfeeding?
- Develop A Stronger Bond with Your Baby: Breastfeeding releases the “love” hormone oxytocin in the mother, which improves the bonding between mother and baby.
- Provides The Best Nourishment Possible: Breast milk has hormones and the right amount of protein, sugar, fat, and most vitamins to help your baby grow and develop.
- Be Healthier: Moms who breastfeed have lower rates of ovarian, breast and endometrial cancer.
- Lowers Risk of Illness: Research shows that breastfed babies have lower risks of asthma, obesity, ear infections, eczema, diarrhea and vomiting, lower respiratory infections, Type 2 diabetes and more, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Support 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 on peer counseling, contact 850-983-5250.
Access information about what to expect during pregnancy, resources to obtain health care, and answers to many of the questions Florida moms and dads have about parenting.
Local Support and Resources
On Strong Florida Moms you can find FREE classes and events in your area.
Events cover 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.