Breastfeeding

learn together. grow together WIC

Georgia WIC recognizes human milk as the standard for infant feeding and nutrition.

The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) promotes, protects, and supports breastfeeding as the preferred method of infant feeding for the first two years, and beneficial to both the infant's and the mother's health.

About our Breastfeeding Services:

Breastfeeding promotion and support are core components of WIC benefits and services for participants.

Examples of WIC benefits and services:

Recommendations:

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life unless medically contraindicated, followed by continued breastfeeding for up to two years (or as long as mutually desired by mother and infant) while complementary foods are introduced. 

Medical Data and Breastfeeding Support Referral Form

Healthcare providers may use the form below to refer participants for WIC services and breastfeeding support and share anthropometric data such as height, weight, and hemoglobin with local agency WIC clinics.

Workplace Support:

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, mothers are one of the fastest-growing segments of the workforce. With more women in the workforce, mothers may rely on expressing their breast milk while separated from their babies. Workplace support can increase breastfeeding duration, staff loyalty, and the employer’s public image. Consequently, workplace breastfeeding support can decrease absenteeism, employer healthcare costs, and employee turnover. Find Resources for workplace support below:

Contraindications:

Breast milk provides the most complete form of infant nutrition, including premature and sick newborns. There are rare exceptions when human milk is not recommended. Breast milk is not advisable if one or more of the following conditions is true:

  • An infant diagnosed with galactosemia

An infant whose mother:

  • Is infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
  • Has untreated, active tuberculosis or brucellosis
  • Is infected with human T-cell lymphotropic virus type I or type II
  • Has an active herpes lesion or open sore on her breast
  • Is receiving prescription medication from the following classes of substances: chemotherapy agents; amphetamines; ergotamine; statins

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), data on the effects of marijuana and CBD exposure to the infant through breastfeeding are limited and conflicting. To limit potential risk to the infant, breastfeeding mothers should be advised not to use marijuana or marijuana-containing products in any form, including those containing CBD, while breastfeeding.

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Page last updated 7/1/24