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Mother breastfeeding baby with support from counselor

Breastfeeding Support Available Through WIC | Pumps, Peer Counselors & More

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July 29, 2026 Women

breastfeeding Breastfeeding Support Available Through WIC

Breastfeeding can come with a lot of questions – and you do not have to figure it all out alone. WIC offers much more than food benefits when it comes to breastfeeding support. Whether you are pregnant, newly postpartum, exclusively breastfeeding, pumping, supplementing, or simply taking things one feeding at a time, WIC is here to help support your family’s feeding journey.

healthy hand Lactation Support and Breastfeeding Specialists

Many WIC programs offer access to lactation consultants and trained breastfeeding specialists who can provide more advanced support. If you are struggling or feeling unsure, your local WIC office can often connect you with the right resources and support.

They may be able to help with:

  • Latch pain or discomfort
  • Concerns about milk supply
  • Pumping questions
  • Returning to work or school
  • Feeding challenges
  • Nipple pain or engorgement
  • General breastfeeding education and guidance
Nurse assisting mother breastfeeding her baby

counselors Breastfeeding Peer Counselors

One of the most valuable resources WIC offers is Breastfeeding Peer Counselors. Peer counselors are parents with personal breastfeeding experience who have received special training to help support other families. They understand that breastfeeding is not always easy and can offer encouragement from someone who has been there before.

Peer counselors may help by:

  • Answering common breastfeeding questions
  • Offering encouragement and emotional support
  • Sharing practical tips
  • Helping troubleshoot everyday concerns
  • Connecting families with additional resources when needed
Tip!
Sometimes simply having someone you can text or call who understands what you are going through can make a huge difference.

electric pump Breast Pumps and Breastfeeding Equipment

Depending on your needs and local availability, WIC may also provide breastfeeding equipment and supplies. Your local WIC office can help determine what equipment may be available for your situation.

This can include:

  • ✓ Manual breast pumps
  • ✓ Electric breast pumps
  • ✓ Hospital-grade pump rentals
  • ✓ Pumping supplies

These resources may be especially helpful for:

  • ✓ Parents returning to work or school
  • ✓ Families with babies in the NICU
  • ✓ Parents working to build or protect milk supply
  • ✓ Families separated from baby for medical or personal reasons
Breast pump and expressed milk bottle on table

baby latch Breastfeeding Support Groups and Community Resources

Many WIC programs also offer breastfeeding support groups, both in-person and virtual.

These groups give parents a chance to:
  • Connect with other breastfeeding families
  • Ask questions in a supportive environment
  • Learn from shared experiences
  • Feel less alone during the feeding journey
WIC may also help connect families with:
  • Healthcare providers
  • Pediatricians
  • Community organizations
  • Parenting resources
  • Mental health and family support services

healthy heart Support Without Judgment

Breastfeeding does not have to be “all or nothing” to receive support from WIC.

Whether you:

  • Breastfeed for a few days or a few years
  • Exclusively pump
  • Use both breast milk and formula
  • Supplement when needed
WIC is here to support your family without judgment. Every feeding journey looks different, and support should meet families where they are.
Remember!
Lactation counselor converses with mother holding baby
Mothers breastfeeding babies in support group session

healthy people You Are Not Alone

Learning to feed a baby takes time, patience, and support. If you are pregnant or recently had a baby, contact your local WIC office to learn more about the breastfeeding services and resources available in your area. You do not have to figure it all out alone, support is available.

REFERENCES:

United States Department of Agriculture. (2026). WIC Breastfeeding Support.
https://wicbreastfeeding.fns.usda.gov/

United States Department of Agriculture.(2025, November 24). Breastfeeding Is a Priority in the WIC Program.
https://www.fns.usda.gov/wic/breastfeeding

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CROSS-CRADLE HOLD

Cross-Cradle Hold

  1. For the right breast, use your left arm to hold your baby’s head at your right breast and baby’s body toward your left side. A pillow across your lap can help support your left arm.
  2. Gently place your left hand behind your baby’s ears and neck, with your thumb and index finger behind each ear and your palm between baby’s shoulder blades. Turn your baby’s body toward yours so your tummies are touching.
  3. Hold your breast as if you are squeezing a sandwich. To protect your back, avoid leaning down to your baby. Instead, bring your baby to you.
  4. As your baby’s mouth opens, push gently with your left palm on baby’s head to help them latch on. Make sure you keep your fingers out of the way.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

  • Your baby is premature
  • Your baby has a weak suck
  • Your baby needs help to stay latched
  • Your baby needs extra head support
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position
CLUTCH OR “FOOTBALL” HOLD

Clutch or “Football” Hold

  1. For the right breast, hold your baby level, facing up, at your right side.
  2. Put your baby’s head near your right nipple and support their back and legs under your right arm.
  3. Hold the base of your baby’s head with your right palm. A pillow underneath your right arm can help support your baby’s weight.
  4. To protect your back, avoid leaning down to your baby. Bring baby to you instead.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

  • You had a C-section
  • You have large breasts
  • You have flat or inverted nipples
  • You have a strong milk let-down
  • You are breastfeeding twins
  • Your baby likes to feed in an upright position
  • Your baby has reflux
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position
CRADLE HOLD

Cradle Hold

  1. For the right breast, cradle your baby with your right arm. Your baby will be on their left side across your lap, facing you at nipple level.
  2. Your baby’s head will rest on your right forearm with your baby’s back along your inner arm and palm.
  3. Turn your baby’s tummy toward your tummy. Your left hand is free to support your breast, if needed. Pillows can help support your arm and elbow.
  4. To protect your back, avoid leaning down to your baby. Instead, bring your baby to you.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

  • Your baby needs help latching on
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position
Laid-Back Hold

Laid-Back Hold

  1. Lean back on a pillow with your baby’s tummy touching yours and their head at breast level. Some moms find that sitting up nearly straight works well. Others prefer to lean back and lie almost flat.
  2. You can place your baby’s cheek near your breast, or you may want to use one hand to hold your breast near your baby. It’s up to you and what you think feels best.
  3. Your baby will naturally find your nipple, latch, and begin to suckle.

This hold is useful when:

  • Your baby is placed on your chest right after birth
  • You have a strong milk let-down
  • You have large breasts
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position