How to talk to WIC Participants about breastfeeding Susan Niedzielski, IBCLC Janice VanValkenburg, IBCLC 2016

Agenda Policy Prenatal period Hospital Experience Early Weeks Concerns, Questions

Policy Breastfeeding: It’s what we do! All WIC staff recognize that breastfeeding is the normal method for feeding infants, unless contraindicated for medical reasons. Section 1223 of the WIC Program Manual WICSIS data entry

Prenatal Period Answer questions/dispel myths Promote peers, groups, classes, including child birth Make sure participants know where to get help. Take the time to develop rapport The first 3 weeks are the hardest. After 6 weeks it starts getting easier. By 3 months you feel sorry for moms who have to make formula

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The birth experience It’s the birth, silly The Hospital Experience NYS DOH handout #4347 Know your OB’s – what is their opinion of birth plans? Hand expression

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Early days / weeks Belly size Diaper log Practice - Practice – Practice Have help/support-peer, family, friends, pediatrician Get help at the first sign of problem/pain Reinforce we are here to help Don’t wait for participants to call you

Milk production Milk/feeding Baby’s stomach size Total milk production/24 hours Week 1 tsp to 1-1 ½ oz Marble 1 oz to 10/12 oz Weeks 2-3 2 – 3 oz Ping pong ball 20 – 25 oz Weeks 3-4 3 – 4 oz Egg or baby fist 25-35 oz

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Concerns / Questions Engorgement Latch Need to be comfortable observing a feeding Real vs perceived supply issues Developmental spurts When to yield

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Remember: A healthy pregnancy leads to a healthy/easier birth experience which leads to an easier breastfeeding experience which leads to healthier mothering which leads to healthier/happier children. You are influencing generations