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  1. WIC Breastfeeding Support
  2. Common Questions and Challenges

Common Questions and Challenges

All new moms have questions about breastfeeding, and most moms have challenges at some time. Whether you need advice on feeding your baby, getting support from your family, or finding motivation to keep going, WIC is here to help.

What if baby suddenly stops breastfeeding—or breastfeeds all the time? What if your nipples hurt? What should you do if your breasts become engorged?

We've got answers to your breastfeeding questions and challenges. Taking it hour-by-hour, day-by-day, and week-by-week helps, too. Talk with your local WIC breastfeeding staff if you are struggling with a breastfeeding challenge. They are ready to support you.

Breastfeeding is a journey, with ups and downs and feelings of accomplishment and frustration. WIC is there to help every step of the way.

Find solutions for common breastfeeding challenges below!

Know your rights to breastfeed in public and at work

Know your rights to breastfeed in public and at work.

Bringing Baby Home

Your baby is here! See what to expect your first few days at home.

Baby Hunger Cues

Learn how to tell when your baby is hungry—or full.

Nutrition While Breastfeeding Image of Food

A nutritious, balanced diet helps you stay energetic and make plenty of milk for your baby.

Image of Five Breastfeeding Holds

Try these ways to hold your baby, and figure out what works best for you.

Steps and signs of a good latch

These tips help you get a good latch—and know if you have one.

Counselor speaking with a mother

Whether you’re just starting out or having challenges, WIC is there for you at every step.

Taking Care of You

Find tips for taking care of yourself physically and emotionally.

Cluster feeding and growth spurt

Learn about cluster feeding and what to expect during baby’s growth spurts.

Breastfeeding with Confidence

How to respond to others about your feeding choices.

Plugged Ducts Mastitis Thrush

There is help for plugged ducts and breast infections.

Engorgement Picture of Mom Kissing Babys Head

Learn what engorgement is—and how to treat it.

Low Milk Supply

Many moms worry about low milk supply, even though most make exactly what baby needs.

Help for Sore Nipples

If your nipples are sensitive or tender, try these solutions.

How to Handle a Nursing Strike Image of Baby on Shoulder

Learn why babies stop nursing—and how to get your baby breastfeeding again.

Breast and Nipple Size and Shape

You can breastfeed no matter what the size and shape of your breast and nipple.

When Breastfeeding Isn't Working

Remember, help is available and there are solutions

Ways Your Friends and Family Can Help You

Learn about the ways your friends and family can support you.

Pumping and Hand Expression Basics

What is combination feeding, how to use it, and how to keep making milk.

Weaning Your Baby Picture of Mom Feeding Infant

Knowing when and how to wean baby can be confusing. Learn how you can make the process a positive one.

Breastfeeding Your Teething Baby

Find tips to help you nurse your teething baby.

Using Bottles with a Breastfed Baby

Planning to be apart from baby? Find tips for feeding baby with expressed milk.

Finding a Breast Pump

Here are options for finding a breast pump at low cost.

Learning to Pump and Hand Express Milk

It may take practice, but soon you’ll be a pro at pumping and hand expression.

Storing and Thawing Breast Milk

To make being away from your baby easier, learn how to store and thaw breast milk—safely.

Making Milk Expression Work for You

Get tips and see how pumping can help solve your breastfeeding challenges.

Breastfeeding Alcohol Drugs, and Smoking

Limit or avoid smoking, most drugs, and alcohol for baby’s health and yours.

Video Still from Mothers Latches and Holds

Real moms share their experience getting a good latch and finding the right hold.

Video Still Mothers Overcoming Breastfeeding Pain

Real moms share their experience with pain and how they found relief.

Image of a mother

Real moms share what it's like breastfeeding in public.

Image of a mother from video still

Real moms share how they overcame milk supply concerns.

Image of a mother and her baby

Real moms share advice on taking care of yourself—and how WIC helped.

Mom with Mask Holding Baby

Set yourself up for success while traveling and breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding basics

You know that breastfeeding has benefits for baby (and mom!) so try this quiz to see how much you know!

Mom Holding Baby

Check out this Setting Breastfeeding Goals quiz and celebrate you and your baby accomplishing your breastfeeding goals!

Baby Hunger Cues

Aprenda a saber cuándo su bebé tiene hambre o está lleno.

Alimentación en racimos y crecimiento acelerado

Aprenda sobre la alimentación en racimos y lo que puede esperar durante el crecimiento acelerado del bebé.

Plugged Ducts Mastitis Thrush

Existe ayuda para los conductos obstruidos y las infecciones de los senos.

Steps and signs of a good latch

Estos consejos le ayudan a obtener un buen agarre de la boca del bebé en el área del pezón de la mamá y saber si lo obtuvo.

Engorgement

Aprenda qué es la congestión mamaria y cómo tratarla.

Storing and Thawing Breast Milk Bottle on Counter

Para que sea más fácil estar lejos de su bebé, aprenda a almacenar y descongelar la leche materna de forma segura.

How to Handle a Nursing Strike Image of Baby on Shoulder

Aprenda por qué los bebés dejan de amamantar y cómo hacer que su bebé vuelva a amamantar.

Low Milk Supply

Muchas mamás se preocupan por la poca leche que producen, aunque la mayoría produce exactamente lo que el bebé necesita.

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What’s in your food package depends on whether you’re breastfeeding and your baby’s age.