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Peer Counseling & Breast Feeding
The Wayne County WIC Program recognizes that breast milk is the best source of nutrition for most infants and encourages exclusive breastfeeding as the method of feeding for the first 6 months of life. Realizing that new Moms who deliver during COVID-19 require lactation support, the WIC PROGRAM continues to support our breastfeeding Mothers with the following services of the breastfeeding support staff.
- Provide information on how to successfully breastfeed if diagnosed with COVID-19 by following CDC and WHO recommendations of washing hands with soap and water before touching infant, and wearing a face mask while nursing
- The same precautions should be followed when expressing milk by hand or pump along with washing pump after each use
- Telehealth (video/phone/text) lactation services provided by Lactation Consultants and Breastfeeding Peer Counselors are offered to all pregnant and breastfeeding WIC participants
- Distribution of breast pumps and breastfeeding supplies using drive up services while maintaining social distancing
- Virtual breastfeeding classes (using Zoom) for pregnant women will begin next week to replace classes normally held in WIC offices
Program Description
Wayne County WIC promotes breastfeeding as the recommended method of infant feeding. We offer classes to educate mothers prenatally on the benefits of breastfeeding and provide breastfeeding support after delivery. Our offices are breastfeeding friendly and offer the services of trained breastfeeding Peers (Certified Lactation Counselors).
Goals and Objectives
- Encourage mothers to choose to breastfeed and to offer support and encouragement for a successful breastfeeding experience
- Increase the number of mothers who breastfeed their infants
- Increase the number of days, weeks and months that breastfeeding continues
- Provide breastfeeding encouragement and support to women throughout their infant's first year of life
Accomplishments & Awards
Due to the Breastfeeding Peer Program, the numbers of mothers who choose to breastfeed in Wayne County has increased along with the length of time that mothers are breastfeeding.Wayne County Breastfeeding Peers are also members of the Metro Detroit Wayne County Breastfeeding Coalition. The Coalition was awarded a grant from the CDC which was used to establish free breastfeeding classes and support groups throughout the Metro Detroit area and also to create a breastfeeding resource guide
Additional Program Information
Contact Us
Diane Ewell
Breastfeeding Program Coordinator
dewell@waynecounty.com
Breastfeeding Support Line - (734) 727-7105
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