Breastfeeding Support

Click here to check out the December 2023 edition of our Staying Abreast newsletter!

Have a question, need to schedule an appointment, or reschedule an appointment?
Call the Coastal Health District WIC Call Center at 1-855-262-7670.

Breastfeeding is the most normal and natural way for babies to be nourished, because human milk is designed perfectly for human babies. The Coastal Health District is committed to helping mothers breastfeed their babies because breastfeeding is so important for good health.

Breastmilk is easy to digest, with just the right amount of fat, sugar, water, and protein for a baby’s growth and development. Breastfed babies usually get sick less often, because breastmilk contains antibodies that can protect infants from bacterial and viral infections. Breastmilk also contains living cells that are important for optimal brain development, and breastfed babies are less likely to be overweight as adults. Research indicates women who breastfeed may have lower rates of certain breast and ovarian cancers. And breastfeeding is a great way for moms to bond with their babies.

The Coastal Health District offers a variety of education, support, and lactation services, including:

Prenatal breastfeeding classes
A Peer Counselor program, providing mother-to-mother support and encouragement. Peer Counselors are available outside of regular business hours.
Lactation consultations with an Internationally Board Certified Lactation Consultant
Monthly support group meetings
Breast pump loan program (manual and electric pumps)
Community resource for breastfeeding education
Breastfeeding rooms

Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Program

Coastal Health District Breastfeeding Peer Counselors are current or former WIC participants that have breastfeeding experience. They use their experience and training to support prenatal and breastfeeding families that participate in the WIC program to set and reach their breastfeeding goals.

Peer Counselors offer support beyond normal clinic hours, which includes evenings, weekends, the middle of the night, and some even support moms during the holidays. This support can be in person, by phone call, or by text. Peer Counselors build a relationship with the moms during their pregnancy, offering basic breastfeeding support and education to equip moms with the confidence they need to be successful!

Connect with a breastfeeding peer counselor
at 912-385-0330.

For more information about lactation services in your county, call the Coastal Health District’s Breastfeeding Coordinator Yolanda Jenkins, BA, IBCLC, at 912.506.9874.

Have basic questions about breastfeeding? Call the National Breastfeeding Helpline at
1-800-994-9662 (TDD 1-888-220-5446).

What are your rights as a nursing mother? Click HERE for more information.

Helpful Breastfeeding Resources:

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Georgia Coastal Health District