Wyoming WIC

Moms Helping Moms

As a new mom, you may have heard about breastfeeding being the best way to give your baby a healthy start. You may wonder how to fit it into your life. Moms everywhere have found that breastfeeding CAN work, and Wyoming WIC has resources to help. All WIC services are free and available to any mother/baby who participates in the WIC program.

These services include:

  • Breastfeeding classes.
  • Breastfeeding assessments and weight checks.
  • Assessment of breast pump needs and personalized pump/flange fitting.
  • Breastfeeding pump kit accessories as needed.
  • Access to language interpreters over the phone.
  • Evidenced-based breastfeeding education and resources.
  • The largest food package for exclusively breastfeeding moms. WIC feeds moms so they can feed their babies.
  • International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs), Certified Lactation Counselors (CLCs), and Breastfeeding Peer Counselors (BFPCs).

Let a WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor help you!

WHAT IS A WIC PEER COUNSELOR?

  • A WIC mom just like you!
  • Hired and trained by WIC to help give new moms information about feeding their babies.
  • Someone who will help support your goals with feeding your baby.
  • A mom who has valuable experience from breastfeeding her own baby and knows what it’s like being a new mom.

WHAT DOES A PEER COUNSELOR DO?

  • Contacts you throughout pregnancy to answer your breastfeeding questions and helps you prepare for the birth of your baby.
  • Answers any breastfeeding questions or concerns after your baby is born.
  • Listens to you, encourages you, and gives you support.
  • Helps you and your baby get off to a good start with breastfeeding.
  • Connects you with breastfeeding support groups.
  • Provides information about obtaining a breast pump.
  • Connects you with a designated breastfeeding expert when needed.

PEER COUNSELORS SHARE TIPS ABOUT:

  • Making plenty of milk for your baby.
  • Understanding your baby’s sleep, cues, and crying.
  • Getting support as a new mom from your family and friends.
  • How to breastfeed comfortably wherever you go.
  • Using a breast pump and recommendations for storing your breast milk.
  • How you can stay close to your baby through breastfeeding after you return to work or school.

HOW DO I QUALIFY?

The Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Program is available to any WIC mom who is pregnant or breastfeeding. Talk to your WIC clinic about how to get signed up.

Don’t be shy about asking for or contacting your peer counselor. They want to help!

Questions?

For more information or to find a clinic near you, visit our website:

Wyoming WIC

Online appointment requests available at:

Wyoming WIC Appointments

Install this web app on your iPhone: tap ios-share and then Add to Home Screen.

SIDE-LYING HOLD

Side-Lying Hold

  1. For the right breast, lie on your right side with your baby facing you.
  2. Pull your baby close. Your baby’s mouth should be level with your nipple.
  3. In this position, you can cradle your baby’s back with your left arm and support yourself with your right arm and/or pillows.
  4. Keep loose clothing and bedding away from your baby.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

  • You had a C-section
  • You want to rest while baby feeds
  • You are breastfeeding in the middle of the night
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position
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