× The federal government has shut down due to the failures of the President and Congress to continue government funding. Millions of Californians receiving benefits from state programs may be impacted. For now, California’s Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) will continue to provide services and enroll eligible families as long as funding is available. No new federal funding to California WIC will be provided until the President and Congress take action. Families should continue to use their WIC benefits and attend their WIC appointments. This information is subject to change, so please monitor the California WIC website for updates.

Please be wary of potential highly partisan political messaging while visiting federal government websites for information related to the federal government shutdown.

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Women, Infants & Children (WIC)

Healthcare Providers

Breastfeeding - After Discharge

During visits:

  • Encourage exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months and continued breastfeeding for at least one year.
  • Observe breastfeeding for a good latch and swallowing sounds.
  • Encourage positions that support a good latch, such as the "laid back" position where the mother leans back in chair.
  • Explore barriers, work through solutions, and provide resources.
  • Refer to lactation consultant and/or community resources such as WIC and breastfeeding support groups.

Discuss return-to-work plans:

  • Breast pumps may be available through the patient's insurance including Medi-Cal. In select circumstances, WIC may be able to supply a pump.
  • The Lactation Accommodation Law protects breastfeeding mothers returning to work and is enforced by the Labor Commission. Employers are required to provide break time and a clean, private location, other than a toilet stall, to pump. Additional time beyond usual breaks may be unpaid.

Resources

  1. A Clinician's Guide: Suggested Questions to Assess Breastfeeding in Primary Care Practice. American Academy of Pediatrics.
  2. California Lactation Accommodation law. AB-1025 Labor Code, Chapter 3.8, [1030–1033] 2001.
  3. Breast and Nipple Candidiasis (PDF)
  4. Breast Milk Supply and Infant Growth (PDF)
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