Alamo City Moms Blog is partnering with Texas WIC to bring you information about their web site, breastmilkcounts.com, and additional resources to help moms along their breastfeeding journey.
Preparing yourself for all the things you need after you have a baby can be a little overwhelming. It seems that almost everyone has advice to share and wants to tell you a story about how awful something was. From newborn sleep information to meal planning, the internet has a group or website for just about anything to help, including breastfeeding!
Texas WIC has a great resource to use as you prepare for—or to help you if you’re already on—your breastfeeding journey: breastmilkcounts.com!
How Breastmilkcounts.com Can Help
The site lists some great resources to help you map out your breastfeeding plan and set your breastfeeding goals! From the basics of breastfeeding to guidance for returning to work, there is information available to help you create a successful breastfeeding relationship.
Additionally, WIC has an online directory available to help you locate lactation consultants, classes, peer counselors, mental health providers, and more, as well as a 24-hour hotline: (855) 550–MOMS.
Breastfeeding at Birth
- Colostrum, the milk available before birth and in the first few days postpartum, provides concentrated nutrition and health benefits, like protein and antibodies. Over the course of the first week, baby’s tummy size increases and colostrum changes to mature milk. While it doesn’t seem like a lot of volume in the first few days, babies nurse often to meet their needs and help establish the beginning of the breastfeeding relationship.
- Breastfeeding shortly after birth helps the uterus contract back to its pre-pregnancy size. Your body releases oxytocin, which causes uterine contractions to help reduce postpartum bleeding.
Long-term Breastfeeding Benefits
- Breastfeeding passes antibodies and other immune-boosting benefits to baby; this helps reduce the instances of illnesses like ear infections and other yucks they might be exposed to while in child care. Milk changes over time to meet the needs of baby—custom made by you!
- Breast milk makes your baby less likely to have digestive problems, such as gassiness, constipation, and colic.
- The benefits of breastfeeding extend over time. Every ounce counts; breastfeed your baby for as long as you can.
Did you know?
- Breastfeeding is protected by law in Texas. This means you have the right to breastfeed anytime, anyplace. Breastfeeding in public can be done with confidence. Most of the time, nursing in public goes unnoticed!
- The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) requires employers to provide most “non-exempt” employees with a “reasonable break time” and a private space, other than a bathroom, for the expression of breast milk through the child’s first birthday.
- If you are an employee who is “non-exempt,” or covered by section 7 of the FLSA (generally, employees entitled to overtime pay), you should be allowed breaks to express milk.
Breastfeeding isn’t always easy and your local WIC clinic can help. WIC’s breastfeeding experts help Texans breastfeed successfully with lactation consultants, classes, peer counselors, and a 24-hour statewide hotline: (855) 550-MOMS to locate a WIC clinic near you or to find out if you are eligible, call (800) 942-3678.
