Benzie-Leelanau WIC Breastfeeding Support

04/30/2026

Yes, I feed my child to sleep,
And no, I do not care
If in the eyes of others,
It means ‘dependency’ is there.

For, of course they are dependant:
Sure, we are the world to them.
And if she wakes another time,
I’ll feed her yet again.

As the comfort that it gives her
Is a privilege I bear.
And I’ll continue to soothe her,
While her need for me is there.💓

Maria Tempany ()
Artwork by the talented Afif .elkhuffash

04/30/2026

Are you concerned that your breasts are empty? While it is normal due to hormonal cycles to have more or less milk during different parts of the day, lactating breasts are never truly empty. As you remove milk, your body is still producing more to meet demand. For more info, visit: https://kellymom.com/ages/older-infant/breast-fullness/

04/29/2026

Exciting news! After analyzing hundreds of studies, this integrative review concludes that breastfeeding may reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease later in life among nursing mothers. Just one more reason breastfeeding is not just good for babies! https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38568117/

04/29/2026

Removing milk makes milk, so if you have a latching baby, who is back to birth weight, and breastfeeding is not painful, you can use the baby to increase your milk! A baby who latches well is much more effective at removing milk than a pump!

Here are some tips to help you do that:

1) Skin-to-skin. This really sets the stage for breastfeeding- increasing oxytocin in both mom and baby. More oxytocin = more milk removal.

2) Switch nurse. When your baby slows down in their swallows, do a few compressions then switch sides. Keep switching until your baby looks satisfied. This increases the number of let downs and keep baby awake and engaged in feeding.

3) Comfort breastfeed. Allowing your baby to comfort nurse will also increase oxytocin. If you listen carefully you will hear a swallow intermittently and this milk, at the end of the feed is full of FAT.

4) Offer your breast more often! With more opportunities to breastfeed your baby will remove more milk!

If you are supplementing, and you want to increase your supply, but hate pumping, consider a Supplemental Nursing System. This is a “straw” at the breast which will let baby drink from mom and get their supplement and stimulate you by staying longer at the breast.

Medela and Haakaa both make Lactation aid/ Supplemental Nursing systems.

Eating while breastfeeding may also help stimulate your oxytocin levels. Have some snacks!

*Reposted from

04/28/2026

If you’re breastfeeding, you need more iodine and choline in your diet to help support you and your baby! It’s recommended that breastfeeding individuals consume 290 mcg of iodine and 550 mg of choline each day. Iodine can be found in dairy products like eggs, seafood, and iodized table salt. Sources of choline include dairy and protein food groups, such as eggs, meats, some seafood, beans, peas, and lentils. Ask your healthcare provider if a supplement is recommended.

Answers to questions from breastfeeding mothers about calories and nutrients and foods to avoid.

04/28/2026

The laid-back breastfeeding position, also called biological nurturing, is much like it sounds. It is meant to tap into the natural breastfeeding instincts you and your baby have. Lean back, but not flat, on a couch or bed. Ensure good support for your head and shoulders. Hold your baby so your entire fronts touch. Let your baby assume any comfortable position as long as their cheek rests near your breast. Help your baby latch on if needed.

2.3K likes, 27 comments. "How-to: Back-lying Breastfeeding Position"

04/27/2026

04/23/2026

You do NOT need a whole freezer full of milk to return to work, but there are some things you can do to prepare yourself and your baby for the transition, including having enough breast milk stored for the first few days and establishing a pumping schedule. Be flexible and try not to get overwhelmed. You’ve got this, mama! For more tips, visit: https://www.breastmilkcounts.com/working-moms/returning-to-work/

04/23/2026

"Exclusive breastfeeding for at least 3 months was associated with reduced childhood hematologic cancer risk vs. shorter breastfeeding durations, according to cohort study results published in JAMA Network Open."

Exclusive breastfeeding for at least 3 months was associated with reduced childhood hematologic cancer risk vs. shorter breastfeeding durations, according to cohort study results published in JAMA Network Open.“The suggested protective effect of breastfeeding against childhood cancer is notewo...

04/22/2026

Cradle Hold Position

This is the classic position most of us picture when we think of breastfeeding. It involves you sitting upright, with your baby positioned on his side, his head and neck laying along your forearm and his body against your stomach, in a tummy-to-mummy position. Although it’s a very popular position, it’s not always easy with a newborn because it doesn’t give your baby as much support as some other holds. A pillow or cushion behind you and a breastfeeding pillow across your lap propping up your baby or your arms may give you more support, and avoid strain on your back or shoulders. If you use a breastfeeding pillow, make sure it doesn’t lift your baby too high – your breasts should remain at their natural resting height to avoid sore ni***es and a strained latch.

04/22/2026

Real-time MRI imaging successfully captured dynamic images of the breastfeeding swallow!

This imaging modality confirms the dorsal surface of the infant's tongue elevates the maternal ni**le to the hard palate, closing the space around the ni**le with no air visible in the oral cavity during sucking and swallowing. Breast milk was easily visualized, being high intensity on T2 sequences.

Simply incredible Ph.D. research by Dr. Nikki Mills, of University of Aukland, New Zealand. These images were published in her paper titled, ‘Imaging the breastfeeding swallow: Pilot study utilizing real-time MRI’ in Laryngoscope Investigative Otolaryngology.

Click here to SUBSCRIBE to our channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBILFOvoJ4x2bRhfSapAopA?sub_confirmation=1Real-time MRI imaging was successful in ca...