Breastfeeding
Peer Counselor

Support For Your
Breastfeeding Goals

breastfeeding goals
Who is a WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor?
  • A mother, just like you, who lives in your community;
  • A peer who has valuable experience from breastfeeding her own baby and knows what it's like being a new mom;
  • A resource who is here to support you and help you meet your goals;
  • A friend who is available in the WIC clinic, over the phone, or by text.

What Can a Peer Counselor Do for You?

  • Listen to you, encourage you, and give you support;
  • Contact you throughout your pregnancy to answer your breastfeeding questions and help you prepare for the birth of your baby;
  • Help you and your baby get off to a good start with breastfeeding;
  • Answer any breastfeeding questions or concerns after baby is born;
  • Connect you with other moms and support groups;
  • Provide information about obtaining a breast pump;
  • Arrange for additional help from a lactation consultant or other health professionals when needed.

Don’t be shy about contacting your peer counselor. They want to help!

breastfeeding women girl
Peer Counselors Share Tips About:
  • Making plenty of milk for your baby;
  • Understanding your baby's sleep patterns, hunger cues, and crying;
  • Getting support as a new mom from your family and friends;
  • Breastfeeding comfortably wherever you go;
  • Using a breast pump and recommendations for storing your breastmilk.

WIC Supports Breastfeeding

We have the resources to help you meet your breastfeeding goals. All of our WIC services are free and available to any family on the WIC program. We offer:
  • The largest food package for exclusively breastfeeding parents. We feed moms to feed their babies!
  • Breastfeeding classes.
  • International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLC).
  • Breastfeeding assessment and weight checks.
  • Assessment of breast pump needs and personalized pump/flange fitting.
  • Evidenced-based breastfeeding education and resources.
  • Breastfeeding accessories as needed.
  • Peer Counselors (some areas have bilingual Peer Counselors).
WIC Supports Breastfeeding
  • WIC is a free supplemental food & nutrition program for pregnant women, new moms (up to 6 months after delivery), breastfeeding moms (up to 1 year after delivery), infants, and children up to age 5.
To find a WIC clinic near you call 800-522-0874 or visit our website wic.in.gov.
wic breastfeeding support logo

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

wic.in.gov

Side Lying Hold

Side-Lying Hold

  1. For the right breast, lie on your right side with your baby facing you.
  2. Pull your baby close. Your baby’s mouth should be level with your nipple.
  3. In this position, you can cradle your baby’s back with your left arm and support yourself with your right arm and/or pillows.
  4. Keep loose clothing and bedding away from your baby.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

  • You had a C-section
  • You want to rest while baby feeds
  • You are breastfeeding in the middle of the night
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position
Cross Cradle Hold

Cross-Cradle Hold

  1. For the right breast, use your left arm to hold your baby’s head at your right breast and baby’s body toward your left side. A pillow across your lap can help support your left arm.
  2. Gently place your left hand behind your baby’s ears and neck, with your thumb and index finger behind each ear and your palm between baby’s shoulder blades. Turn your baby’s body toward yours so your tummies are touching.
  3. Hold your breast as if you are squeezing a sandwich. To protect your back, avoid leaning down to your baby. Instead, bring your baby to you.
  4. As your baby’s mouth opens, push gently with your left palm on baby’s head to help them latch on. Make sure you keep your fingers out of the way.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

  • Your baby is premature
  • Your baby has a weak suck
  • Your baby needs help to stay latched
  • Your baby needs extra head support
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position
Football Hold

Clutch or “Football” Hold

  1. For the right breast, hold your baby level, facing up, at your right side.
  2. Put your baby’s head near your right nipple and support their back and legs under your right arm.
  3. Hold the base of your baby’s head with your right palm. A pillow underneath your right arm can help support your baby’s weight.
  4. To protect your back, avoid leaning down to your baby. Bring baby to you instead.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

  • You had a C-section
  • You have large breasts
  • You have flat or inverted nipples
  • You have a strong milk let-down
  • You are breastfeeding twins
  • Your baby likes to feed in an upright position
  • Your baby has reflux
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position
Breastfeeding Holds

Cradle Hold

  1. For the right breast, cradle your baby with your right arm. Your baby will be on their left side across your lap, facing you at nipple level.
  2. Your baby’s head will rest on your right forearm with your baby’s back along your inner arm and palm.
  3. Turn your baby’s tummy toward your tummy. Your left hand is free to support your breast, if needed. Pillows can help support your arm and elbow.
  4. To protect your back, avoid leaning down to your baby. Instead, bring your baby to you.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

  • Your baby needs help latching on
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position
Breastfeeding Holds

Laid-Back Hold

  1. Lean back on a pillow with your baby’s tummy touching yours and their head at breast level. Some moms find that sitting up nearly straight works well. Others prefer to lean back and lie almost flat.
  2. You can place your baby’s cheek near your breast, or you may want to use one hand to hold your breast near your baby. It’s up to you and what you think feels best.
  3. Your baby will naturally find your nipple, latch, and begin to suckle.

This hold is useful when:

  • Your baby is placed on your chest right after birth
  • You have a strong milk let-down
  • You have large breasts
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position