Breastfeeding Support

“My name is Ashley; I am the breastfeeding peer at the WIC office. I have been here 3 1/2 years. I am a Certified Breastfeeding Specialist and have helped a lot of moms along their breastfeeding journey. I have 3 boys: Gavin, Holden, and Preston. I was 19 when I had Gavin. I only breastfed him for about a month. I was young, naïve, and did not seek the help I needed to continue breastfeeding. I felt like I was not producing and knew absolutely nothing about pumping. I switched to formula because I knew my baby needed to be fed. With Holden, I was 20 and still really knew nothing about breastfeeding. I thought my body just was not able to produce milk, so I did not even try to breastfeed him. When I had my youngest, my sister was also pregnant, so we both decided we were going to try to breastfeed and help each other through the journey. I ended up making it 2 ½ years exclusively latching him. He ended up self-weaning, and I think I was sadder about it than him. It was not always easy, but we pushed through it. Spending that much time breastfeeding taught me a lot about hard work and discipline. The bond I built with Preston was something I will always be grateful for. It was something I really wish I would have tried harder for with my other 2 but knowing they were fed at the time was the most important thing. The best advice I can give is if you have questions, please ask someone. Please reach out to local resources and get the help. I wish I had pushed harder to breastfeed my older two boys!” – Ashley James

“My breastfeeding journey started in 2021 when I had my oldest, now five-year-old daughter. Although it was cut short, in these moments, a lot of my knowledge came from WIC. Being told not to give up, sending me with paperwork, made sure I was eating the proper nutrition, and always calling to check on me and baby. The second time around was much easier; I didn’t listen to anyone telling me to “stop, she’s too small” or “she nurses too long, you should probably take her off.” I had all the information I needed to make the best decisions for my now three-year-old daughter and me. Breastfeeding is such a beautiful experience, even through those difficult moments, when you feel like you’re barely hanging on. To bond with your children on that level and bring nurturing to them in a way that is so rewarding. Five years later, I am still using WIC support with my newest addition. My almost one-year-old son has been exclusively breastfed, and there have been times that I have vented to WIC about struggling; they, in return, have given me resources and conversations that will help us both with this journey. One day I know when this season is over, regardless of how challenging it seems now, it will soon be a memory that replays in our minds. A bond that is so beautiful and truly a gift from God. I appreciate all the ladies in the WIC office for their continued dedication to the women and children of this community.” – Fraker Family

“The WIC program has been a great help to my breastfeeding journey, especially Ashley. While I was still pregnant, Ashley had a 1-on-1 meeting with me for literally almost 2 hours and discussed everything breastfeeding in and out with me and answered any and all questions I had. We discussed clogged ducts, feeding schedules, things to help keep your supply up and promote an increase, signs to notice with mastitis/issues, and so many other topics that were SO helpful to me. Ashley also made a follow-up appointment with me, and during this appointment she showed me how to use and operate both my standard and my wearable pumps, and she helped me measure myself and helped me figure out what flange sizing I was. This was a huge help since it took all the guesswork out of it, and I was able to start pumping successfully and comfortably right away! After delivery, I had several follow-ups and Ashley helped me with learning more comfortable nursing positions and making sure my daughter’s latch was correct. We are still going strong 7 months in and Ashley makes sure to call me every month to check in and see how I’m doing and if I need help with anything. It feels really nice to have a good support system that’s knowledgeable and really cares about me, my baby, and my success. I definitely feel supported and capable of meeting my goal of 1 year breastfeeding.” – Mayer Family

“WIC has helped me with my breastfeeding journey by educating me on how to latch my baby and keep my supply up, making sure that I have supplies if I run out, and answering any questions I may have. They have called to check on me every month since I had my baby, and I am so appreciative of that. I didn’t breastfeed my first baby when I had him 5 years ago because I was in a bad place mentally and also was never really educated on how to go about breastfeeding but this time around when I had my daughter, I wanted to give it a try and I have currently been breastfeeding for 11 months and I am still going strong but plan to end my journey soon as she will be turning 1 and it’s just what’s best for us. I am sad to end my breastfeeding journey, but I’m honestly surprised I made it this long. Breastfeeding is very exhausting and time-consuming, but it is worth it and has been such an amazing and rewarding experience and a bond being able to breastfeed my daughter, and I’ve had so much support from my significant other and family and friends. WIC has also been a huge support, and I’m so thankful for them and all they do to help moms all over!” – Darst Family