Officials with the City of El Paso’s Department of Public Health Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program announced that they are celebrating National Breastfeeding Month by encouraging WIC participants to take part in classes and services offered.
“We know that it takes teamwork and a lot of support to make breastfeeding a success throughout our community,” said Astrid Lara, WIC Breastfeeding Coordinator.
“In addition to state laws like the one in Texas which allows a woman to breastfeed anywhere in public, our program also offers support groups, classes, and personalized counseling.”
This year’s theme “Protect Breastfeeding: A Shared Responsibility” celebrates the meaningful contributions that mothers and fathers make to infant health.
The purpose is to highlight the many benefits of breastfeeding and the importance of supporting moms to reach their goal.
The WIC Program provides several services such as:
- Breastfeeding support
- One-on-one counseling
- Virtual breastfeeding support upon request
- Referrals to local and state breastfeeding support
- After-hour breastfeeding warm line for WIC moms
- Breast pumps available for WIC participants
Certified lactation consultants and peer counselors are available at the Texas Lactation Support Hotline (855) 550-6667, to answer questions about breastfeeding. The 24/7 helpline receives approximately 150 calls per week.
DPH WIC Program after-hour breastfeeding warm line for WIC moms is available Monday through Saturday from 5 to 10 p.m. at (915) 588-2308.
For more information about the El Paso WIC Program visit EPHealth.com under the WIC tab, call (915) 212-4942 to set up an appointment or visit TexasWIC.org to apply.
