Texas WIC launches breastfeeding awareness campaign

In honor of National Breastfeeding Awareness Month in August, Texas WIC is launching a statewide awareness campaign to share resources and to support moms and pregnant women, helping them meet their breastfeeding goals.

According to a news release by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, the benefits of breastfeeding for both mom and baby last a lifetime. Breastmilk has hundreds of ingredients and antibodies that help protect babies from illness and allergies. For moms, breastfeeding has been linked to lower rates of diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and even certain cancers.

“Breastfeeding can be challenging sometimes, and Texas WIC has a free 24/7 lactation support hotline, breastfeeding peer counselors, lactation consultants and free nutrition and breastfeeding classes available to all Texas moms, regardless of whether they qualify for Texas WIC,” the release stated. “Texas WIC also provides women who qualify with a free breast pump and pumping supplies.”

WIC benefits are provided at no cost to eligible pregnant women, breastfeeding moms and families with children younger than five. Anyone with children under the age of five can apply for WIC, including fathers, foster parents, guardians or grandparents. Moms-to-be can qualify for WIC as soon as they find out they’re pregnant, the release continued. WIC also recently updated its income guidelines, allowing more families to participate.

For more information, visit www.TexasWIC.org or call 1-800-942-3678.