WIC Breastfeeding Counselor Program

The WIC Breastfeeding Counselor Program offers mother-to-mother support for breastfeeding to low-income women in Contra Costa County. Referrals come from area hospitals, the WIC program, health care providers and community health workers. WIC participants can also refer themselves. To make a referral to the WIC Breastfeeding Counselor Program fax 925-646-5029 or call 1-866-878-7767, option 4, Lisa.

Who Are the Breastfeeding Counselors?

WIC Breastfeeding Counselors are members of the community who understand the concerns, customs and common beliefs in the community. New mothers can feel comfortable talking to them. All counselors have breastfed one or more infants for four or more months.

What Do the Breastfeeding Counselors Do?

Provide support to breastfeeding women in their community, both by telephone and in the WIC office.
Teach WIC prenatal classes to encourage healthy eating & exercise and promote breastfeeding.
Make referrals to other services when appropriate.

Why Is Breastfeeding Important?

Breastfeeding is the preferred method of infant feeding - breastmilk is the most complete form of nutrition for infants.

The benefits of breastfeeding include:

Decreased ear infections
Decreased incidence of allergies
Decreased intestinal infection
Decreased incidence of chronic diseases like diabetes and Crohn's disease
Decreased risk of decay of baby teeth
Decreased risk of obesity in early childhood

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastmilk exclusively for the first six months and thereafter breastmilk and solid foods until at least 12 months. The breastfeeding goal for Healthy People 2010 is at least 75% of infants breastfed at hospital discharge, 50% at six months of age, and 25% at one year.

To Make a Referral

To make referrals to the WIC Breastfeeding Program fax 925-646-5029.

For More Information

Nancy Busby Hill
597 Center Avenue, Suite 365
Martinez, CA 94553
925-313-6260

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