Advantages of breastfeeding can stay with babies for a lifetime. Breastfeeding has proven benefits for both infants and mothers. The Chickasaw Nation has incorporated programs and services to promote the benefits of this healthy practice.

Two major proponents of breastfeeding within the Chickasaw Nation are the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program and women’s clinic and obstetrical department. Both provide education and peer counselors to new and expectant mothers.

WIC educators and nutritionists provide helpful nutrition information and counseling to moms and families. Lactation consultants and breastfeeding peer counselors are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to encourage and support breastfeeding mom through daily challenges.

WIC breastfeeding consultants provide families with knowledge concerning breastfeeding and lactation management, recommendations on infants’ and young children’s nutritional needs based on the most recent evidence from nutrition experts.

Breastfeeding has proven benefits for both infants and mothers. Breast milk is an incredible source of nutrition for most babies. As the baby grows, their mother's breast milk will change to meet the baby's nutritional needs.

The advantages of breastfeeding can stay with babies for a lifetime. Breast milk shares antibodies from the mother with her baby. These antibodies help babies develop a strong immune system and protect them from illnesses. Breastfed babies have a lower risk of asthma, obesity, Type 1 diabetes and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Breastfed babies are also less likely to have ear infections and stomach bugs.

Breastfeeding can reduce the mother's risk of breast and ovarian cancer, Type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. It can also be a quiet time of bonding and connection between mother and baby.

The Chickasaw Nation Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program, the women’s clinic and the obstetrical department provide breastfeeding education and peer counselors to new and expectant mothers.

WIC lactation consultants and breastfeeding peer counselors are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to encourage and support breastfeeding mom through daily challenges.

Additional breastfeeding resources include:

• https://oklahoma.wicresources.org/videos/?cat=pumping
• https://oklahoma.wicresources.org/breastfeeding/
• Chickasaw Nation WIC Facebook Page was created in partnership with USDA and offers parents breastfeeding support, a network of caregivers, parenting tips and resources for healthy eating all in one friendly place.
• The Chickasaw Nation WIC Breastfeeding Warm Line is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at (888) 439-8970. Professionals are available to help answer your questions, any time day or night.
• Oklahoma Breastfeeding Hotline is staffed by International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLC) and is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at (877) 271-MILK (6455).

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.