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WIC COUNSELORS SUPPORT MOMS DURING NATIONAL BREASTFEEDING MONTH

By DOH-Pinellas

July 28, 2022

While breastfeeding may seem like the easiest and most natural thing for mothers to do, it can be overwhelming and frustrating for many. That is why August is observed as National Breastfeeding Month, to ensure that new mothers understand the importance of breastfeeding in the lives of their children.

The Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program at the Florida Department of Health in Pinellas County has a team of knowledgeable and compassionate breastfeeding counselors to offer advice and lend mothers support to achieve their breastfeeding goals. Their motto is “Breastfeeding Shouldn’t Hurt and Babies Should Latch!”

For moms who qualify for WIC, there is a breast pump program which allows moms to return to work or school while still giving them the opportunity to provide breastmilk for their baby. There are in-person appointments for WIC clients and virtual prenatal breastfeeding classes. Breastfeeding services can be provided in the WIC client’s preferred language through a bi-lingual staff member or an interpreter service, if needed.

There is a breastfeeding help line at (727) 824-6997 available 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week to provide breastfeeding support and answer questions.

This program is part of the commitment that WIC has to support breastfeeding as the normal and healthiest way to feed babies. To see if you qualify for the WIC program call 727-824-6913 or 727-824-6914 or www.floridahealth.gov/programs-andservices/ wic/wic-eligibility.html

For information about DOH-Pinellas, go to www.PinellasHealth.com or call (727) 824- 6900. Follow us on Facebook, Nextdoor, and Twitter at @HealthyPinellas for the latest agency updates.


About the Florida Department of Health

The department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @HealthyFla. For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.

Editors’ Note: Breastfeeding counselors and mothers using the services are available
for interview opportunities to highlight the good work being done in the program.

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