Breastfeeding

Local Breastfeeding Support


Where can I find support from local breastfeeding professionals?

A Certified Lactation Consultant can be found at your local WIC Office: located at 321 E. 4th Street, Joplin, Missouri. You can contact us at 417-623-1928.

Contacting breastfeeding support professionals can increase your confidence in breastfeeding. Our Agency is a breastfeeding, friendly agency and has received USDA's gold WIC Loving Support Award of Excellence for Exemplary Breastfeeding Support and Practices.

What is a Breastfeeding Peer Counselor?
Breastfeeding counselors; Mothers who have successfully breastfed their babies and have the ability to help you learn the benefits of breastfeeding and how to overcome breastfeeding challenges. Because these counselors have breastfed their own baby, they have experience as well as knowledge to offer. You can meet with a Breastfeeding Peer Counselor at your local WIC.

Role of peer counselor
  • Provides basic breastfeeding information and support to new mothers.
  • Helps mothers achieve their own breastfeeding goals.
  • Regularly contacts mothers during their pregnancy, during the early days of breastfeeding, and until the mother chooses to wean her baby.
  • Refers mothers with concerns outside the peer counselor’s scope of practice to appropriate lactation experts or health care professionals.
  • Refers non-WIC mothers to other community breastfeeding resources, if they are not eligible for WIC.
  • Is a role model for other WIC mothers.
Breast pumps are available. Certain qualifications apply. Please contact WIC office 417-623-1928 or call the help line after 3:30pm and leave a message, 417-499-7323 for information.

What is an IBCLC?
An IBCLC is a internationally board certified lactation consultant. An IBCLCs is a breastfeeding professional who has the most knowledge and skill in providing breastfeeding support. They can teach you how to breastfeed comfortably by helping with proper positioning and latching. They can also answer any of your breastfeeding questions. You can meet with an IBCLC at your local WIC.

Support Groups


Chi Chi Mama's community support group meets the first Thursday of the month at 5:00 pm.
See us on Facebook.

Handouts


Breastfeeding: Frequently Asked Questions

Common Breasfeeding Questions

How To Know your Breastfed Baby is Getting Enough
http://health.mo.gov/living/families/wic/wiclwp/pdf/enoughmilk.pdf
Common Breastfeeding Problems
http://health.mo.gov/living/families/wic/wiclwp/pdf/BFHandout.pdf
Hand Expression
http://health.mo.gov/living/families/wic/wiclwp/pdf/HandExpression.pdf

http://newborns.stanford.edu/Breastfeeding/MaxProduction.html

Helpful Websites:


The National Breastfeeding Helpline:
o Call 800-994-9662