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Get breastfeeding off to a good start with these tips and resources.



Learn more about breastfeeding


Breastfeeding your baby, like any new skill, may take some time and practice. WIC can help you feel like you have this!


Guide to breastfeeding

WIC guide to breastfeeding and more

This how-to guide is full of practical tips.

Topics include:

  • Getting off to a great start
  • Finding comfortable positions
  • Tips for a good latch
  • Support of family, friends, and dad
  • Breastfeeding questions and answers

English (PDF) | Spanish (PDF)

For more information:
Breastfeeding Basics | United States Department of Agriculture


Milk supply guide

How do I keep up a good milk supply?
The more often you breastfeed, the more milk you will make.

English (PDF) | Spanish (PDF)


Thumbnail for Breast Milk Storage Flyer

Breastmilk Storage
Learn how to safely store breastmilk for your baby.

English (PDF) | Spanish (PDF)


Getting to know your baby guide

Getting to know your baby
Learning about baby behavior can help you understand your baby’s needs. This booklet answers questions you may have about sleep, cues, and crying.

English (PDF) | Spanish (PDF)


Marijuana and pregnancy guide

Marijuana and pregnancy
The choices that you make during pregnancy and after delivery can affect your baby's health now and in the years ahead.

English (PDF) | Spanish (PDF)


Family support


Let close family and friends know that you are planning to breastfeed.


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Visitors in hospital
Tell family and friends ahead of time that you will delay hospital visitors until after the first few hours. Taking some quiet time will help baby adjust to their new life. Your hospital nurse and partner can help manage early visitors, so you and baby can focus on breastfeeding.


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Partners
Partners play an important role in breastfeeding. Let your partner know you may have lots of emotional ups and downs. Share with them that breastfeeding take practice for both you and the baby. The more you practice the more confident you will become. Talk about how they can support and encourage you to meet your breastfeeding goals.

For more information visit:
Dads | WIC Breastfeeding Support | United States Department of Agriculture


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Grandparents
As you make your decision to breastfeed and welcome your baby, you may turn to your parents for guidance.

For more information visit:
Grandparents | WIC Breastfeeding Support | United StatesDepartment of Agriculture


Breastfeeding in the Hospital


Let your birthing team in the hospital know that you plan to breastfeed. Hospitals have staff trained in breastfeeding support that can help you learn to position and latch your baby right away. Ask for help before you leave the hospital.


Newborn feeding secrets

3 newborn feeding secrets
Knowing these secrets will help you feel more confident feeding your baby.

English (PDF) | Spanish (PDF)


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The hospital experience
A newborn’s tummy size is very small. So, when you are in the hospital and it seems like only a little bit of breastmilk comes out, do not worry. Your body knows just what to do.

English (PDF) | Spanish (PDF)


Doctor examines pregnant woman

Delivery room 101
Baby is on the way! Here is more information from the USDA on what to expect when breastfeeding in the hospital.

For more information visit:
Delivery Room 101 | United States Department of Agriculture



< Nutrition and Health / Breastfeeding / Learn the basics of breastfeeding



Page Last Updated: February 8, 2023




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