Benzie-Leelanau WIC Breastfeeding Support

09/08/2025

Mixing formula and human milk in the same bottle is not recommended, and here’s why:
🧪 Different storage rules:
Formula must be discarded right after a feed, but human milk can be safely stored for 1–2 hours. Mixing the two could lead to wasting your milk if the bottle isn’t finished.
🛡️ Loss of protective properties:
Mixing formula with human milk can reduce lysozyme activity, an enzyme that helps protect against harmful bacteria like E. coli.
⚖️ Nutrient interference:
Added components in formula, like iron, may bind to the nutrients in your milk, reducing their absorbability.
💡 Best practice?
Offer human milk and formula separately to preserve the unique benefits of your milk.
🔗 Learn more: lllc.ca/should-you-mix-human-milk-formula

09/08/2025

Happy Semana De Lactancia Latina/ Latinx Breastfeeding Week! This year's theme is "Territory of the Heart/Breastfeeding without Borders." Semana de La Lactancia Latina was created in 2023 by the Union de Lideres de Lactancia Latino (Latinx Lactation Collective) and is celebrated this year from September 8-14. The observance aims to uplift voices from the Latino/x community, and celebrate the diverse cultures and resilience of Latino communities. The collective also strives to bring awareness to the unique barriers faced by these communities and advocates for language justice.

09/04/2025

The Baby Pantry at St. Philip's Episcopal Church-Beulah, MI is open on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of each month. Their next pantry day is this Saturday, September 6th, from 10-3pm.

Curbside Pick-up Order Form: https://stphilipsbeulah.org/curbside-pick-up-order-form/

09/04/2025

You're doing great, mama! 💗

09/04/2025

HOT TOPIC: PLUGGED DUCTS & MASTITIS

The updated clinical protocol from ABM outlines several key changes that significantly shift what we thought we knew about the condition, namely that plugged ducts are more accurately described as “ductal narrowing,” that ice and other anti-inflammatory treatments should be used to manage mastitis instead of heat, and that extra pumping and other measures used to increase drainage of the breast will only hurt, not help. For more information, visit https://www.lllc.ca/mastitis-matter-inflammation

09/04/2025

Breastmilk hasn’t just been food; it’s been medicine for thousands of years. Long before modern science, people already knew there was something powerful in breastmilk.

09/03/2025

Did you know that as a working, lactating parent, you have rights? Laws like the PUMP Act, the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, and the updated Title IX Regulations are designed to support your breastfeeding experience while you're at work.

WIC is here to empower and support you in achieving your breastfeeding goals as you transition back to work or school.

To learn more about breastfeeding while working, check out https://wicbreastfeeding.fns.usda.gov/talking-your-employer-about-pumping-work.

09/03/2025

More Milk Removed = More Milk Made

Your body and your baby work together to make the milk your baby needs. Milk supply grows when milk is removed often and effectively. Responding to your baby’s cues, latching well, and spending time skin-to-skin all help keep the cycle going.

Source: La Leche League Canada

09/02/2025

The first 40 days of breastfeeding are different from what comes after. In this short video Nancy Mohrbacher, IBCLC, FILCA talks about what makes this period unique and how you can plan for it.

http://www.naturalbreastfeeding.com/ Nancy explains to expectant, first-time mothers Essie and Marivel how the first 40 days of breastfeeding are different a...

09/02/2025

Let's celebrate YOU! How many months have you been on your journey? What's your goal?

09/02/2025

When babies are born, they talk to you through CUES. Check out these early signs of hunger you can look for before your baby starts to get fussy or cry.

09/01/2025

It's Workplace Lactation Week! WLW is celebrated annually from September 1-7, and this year's theme is "A World of Support: Creating Breastfeeding-Friendly Workplaces Everywhere." The observance celebrates the contributions of nursing mothers and parents in the workplace and aligns with Labor Day, highlighting the vital role working and pumping parents play in the workforce. In the United States, a robust framework of federal, state, and local lactation laws now exists to guide organizations and truly support new parents. Key among these are the federal PUMP (Providing Urgent Maternal Protections) Act and the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA), all aimed at enhancing support and ensuring that working and pumping parents have the necessary protections and accommodations to thrive. For more info, visit: https://www.healthyhorizons.com/blogs/blog/workplace-lactation-week