Physicians

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that infants be exclusively breastfed for about the first 6 months with continued breastfeeding along with introducing appropriate complementary foods for 1 year or longer. The World Health Organization also recommends exclusive breastfeeding up to 6 months of age with continued breastfeeding along with appropriate complementary foods up to 2 years of age or longer.

Mothers should be encouraged to breastfeed their children for at least 1 year. The longer an infant is breastfed, the greater the protection from certain illnesses and long-term diseases. The more months or years a woman breastfeeds (combined breastfeeding of all her children), the greater the benefits to her health as well.

Babies who are not breastfed are missing out on the most nutrients and a healthier immune system. Health care providers are often a mother’s go-to source when it comes to breastfeeding information. We at the South Dakota Department of Health WIC Program have provided links to information and organizations to help strengthen your resolve to support breastfeeding.

Physicians Kit Downloads

• Breastfeeding Mother’s Bill of Rights
• Health Care Facilities 10 steps to Successful Breastfeeding
• U.S. Surgeon General’s Call to Action to Support Breastfeeding Call to Action | Executive Summary | Fact Sheet
• CDC Breastfeeding Report Card
• CDC mPINC – Maternity Practices in Infant Nutrition and Care Survey
• United States Breastfeeding Committee
• Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine
• USDA WIC Breastfeeding Support
• National Breastfeeding Month (August)
• World Breastfeeding Week (August 1-7)

How Does WIC Support Breastfeeding?

WIC is a great source of breastfeeding information and support!

WIC families have access to…

• Breastfeeding experts including CLCs and IBCLCs
  • CLC = Certified Lactation Counselor
  • IBCLC = International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant
• WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counseling Program
• Free breast pumps and breastfeeding aids
• Greater quantity and variety of food and longer participation on the program for mothers that breastfeed

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