Free peer support helps local breastfeeding mothers
(Back row, from left) Rylee P. (Peer Counselor), Susan R. (Lactation Consultant), (Front row, from left) Erin Lacey N. (Lactation Consultant), Erin B. (Lactation Consultant)
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that babies drink only breastmilk for the first six months and continue breastfeeding up to two years old. While there are many advantages to breastfeeding for baby and mother, most women in Indiana and the United States struggle to breastfeed beyond the first few months (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). This is often due to a lack of support and the inflexibility of school and work schedules.
Breastfeeding support is a top priority for the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program. The WIC offices in Delaware and Madison Counties, housed at Open Door Health Services, offer education and support from peer counselors and International Board Certified Lactation Consultants, also known as IBCLCs, to help families with lower incomes overcome challenges and support them in their breastfeeding goals. Because of these efforts, Open Door was one of only 20 sites in Indiana to earn the national Breastfeeding Gold Award of Excellence in 2025 from the USDA, the federal agency that oversees WIC nationwide.
Katie H. (Peer Counselor), Emily P. (Lactation Consultant), Angela A. (Peer Counselor)
“We are here to be a safe, nonjudgmental place for families to ask questions, learn new skills, and make the best feeding decisions for themselves and their infants and young children,” said Emily Portillo, RN, IBCLC, WIC Breastfeeding Coordinator. “All our services are free, and our clients get access to nutritious food, individualized breastfeeding support, and the chance to build relationships with our staff in a welcoming environment. We encourage anyone thinking about applying for WIC to give us a call – it could make a big difference in their life.”
How is breastfeeding good for babies?
Breast milk is loaded with nutrients, antibodies, enzymes, and other crucial immunities that baby formula cannot match. Human milk also contains the perfect combination of fats, carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, and minerals to meet the nutritional needs of infants and changes to meet baby’s needs throughout their breastfeeding journey, something that formula will never be able to mimic.
Scientific research shows that breastfed babies have lower risks of:
Asthma
Leukemia (during childhood)
Obesity
Ear infections
Eczema (atopic dermatitis)
Diarrhea and vomiting
Respiratory infections
Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
Type 2 diabetes
Plus, breastfeeding brings mother and baby close together on a regular basis. It’s important that babies feel secure, warm, and comforted. (U.S. Office on Women’s Health)
How is breastfeeding good for mothers?
Research shows that women who breastfeed have a lower risk of developing breast cancer, Type 2 diabetes, ovarian cancer, heart disease, osteoporosis and postpartum depression. They also may find it easier to return to pre-pregnancy weight. They may miss less work since their baby is healthier, and they may have a lower risk of stress. They recover from childbirth more quickly since their uterus shrinks to its pre-pregnancy size much faster. Breastfed babies are also sick less often, which helps reduce the baby’s healthcare costs.
Breastfeeding also releases a hormone called oxytocin that relaxes and calms the mother while she bonds with her baby.
On the practical side, breastfeeding can save families money. Many families use breastfeeding accessories, but they are not always necessary. Many supplies can be obtained via insurance or with FSA accounts. For those that nurse at the breast, there is much less bottle washing and breast milk is available whenever it is needed.
What are the challenges?
Lactation room at the Madison County WIC office
In the article, “What Doctors Wish Patients Knew About Breastfeeding” from the American Medical Association, Mayo Clinic pediatrician Nusheen Ameenuddin points to a lack of knowledge and lack of support as two challenges that keep mothers from breastfeeding:
“’Breastfeeding does take a fair bit of effort. And, oftentimes, that can fall solely on the mother and without good support from the home and the workplace that can be extraordinarily difficult to sustain.’”
Research supports Dr. Ameenuddin’s statement. While most women are aware that breastmilk is the best nutrition for babies, many don’t know about the specific benefits. They also don’t know why it’s best to give babies only breastmilk, rather than a combination of breastmilk and formula.
Since breastfeeding is “natural,” many women expect that it should be easy. When problems come up, it can be very discouraging and cause mothers to lose confidence. It can also be confusing when friends and family have differing experiences or beliefs.
Challenges increase when mothers return to work, education, or other life activities. It can be very difficult to find time and space to express and store breastmilk outside the home. There are pressures on mothers to fit breastfeeding or pumping into their regular workday, especially women who are paid hourly and have less flexibility (Surgeon General’s Call to Action to Support Breastfeeding).
How does WIC help?
The WIC breastfeeding team for Delaware and Madison Counties includes three (3) peer counselors and five (5) International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs).
WIC peer counselors are mothers who live in the community and have experience with breastfeeding. They work with pregnant and postpartum clients to answer questions, provide education, connect clients with breast pumps and other breastfeeding supplies, and be a reliable point of support. They are available in-person in the WIC office, or by phone or text.
When a mother’s needs are outside of the peer counselor’s scope, she is referred to one of our International Board Certified Lactation Consultants, also known as IBCLCs. These individuals are truly experts in the field, having completed 14 higher education health science classes, 95 hours of lactation education, 1000 hours of clinical practice, and passed the IBCLC exam. They can help with everything from challenges with low milk supply and pain, to struggles with latching or weight gain.
To determine if you are eligible for WIC services in Indiana, visit Health: WIC: Eligibility Requirements.
Delaware County WIC also accepts donated breast milk on behalf of The Milk Bank. The milk is used by hospitals to feed fragile babies and is available for families who aren’t able to produce their own breastmilk.
To schedule an appointment with WIC in Delaware County call (765) 289-6180 or in Madison County call (765) 646-9272.