Benzie-Leelanau WIC Breastfeeding Support

10/16/2025

10/16/2025

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, October 18th, from 10-3pm.

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

10/15/2025

The Maternal Infant Health Program (MIHP) is the largest home visiting program in Michigan, serving pregnant women and infants up to age one. The program is FREE to Medicaid participants and supports new parents in many areas, including breastfeeding. For more info, visit: https://tinyurl.com/2d79s6a8 or call the Benzie-Leelanau District Health Department at (231) 882-4409.

10/14/2025

Did you know that your newborn’s belly is very tiny at birth? It doesn't take much milk to fill them up in the early days! At birth, their belly is about the size of a cherry, but by day 10 it is about the size of a ping pong ball. You can tell your baby is getting enough milk if you can hear them swallowing, they seem happy and relaxed after feeding, and they are growing and gaining weight appropriately. https://wicbreastfeeding.fns.usda.gov/how-much-milk-your-baby-needs

10/14/2025

HOT TOPIC: Breastfeeding and Hydration

Oxytocin, often dubbed the “love hormone,” plays a crucial role in lactation. One intriguing side effect of oxytocin release during breastfeeding is overwhelming thirst. The mechanism behind oxytocin-induced thirst is multifaceted. One theory suggests that oxytocin may stimulate the hypothalamus, the region of the brain responsible for regulating thirst and fluid balance. Additionally, the act of breastfeeding itself can be physically demanding, leading to increased fluid loss through sweat and respiration, further contributing to feelings of thirst.

How much water should you be drinking while breastfeeding? There are some ridiculous answers out there. If your breast milk production has decreased, helpful people may suggest that you chug tons of water. Your lack of water intake is most likely not responsible for your decrease in breast milk and drinking too much water can inadvertently harm your milk supply. While individual water needs vary based on factors like climate, activity level, and body size, you should aim to drink enough fluids to satisfy thirst and maintain hydration.

* Drink to thirst: Listen to your body’s cues for water. Thirst is a natural indicator that your body needs fluids, so keep water within easy reach while breastfeeding
* Stay hydrated throughout the day: Drink water regularly, not only during feedings. Keep a water bottle handy and sip frequently
* Monitor urine color: Pale yellow indicates adequate hydration, dark urine may signal dehydration
* Eat fluid-rich foods: Fruits and vegetables also contribute to overall fluid intake
* Avoid excessive caffeine and alcohol: Both can have diuretic effects, potentially increasing fluid loss and impacting milk production. Moderation is key

Do you have an emotional support water bottle? Make sure to wash it regularly. 😜

Source: LALactation
Photo credit: Lauren Archer

10/13/2025

HOT TOPIC: RSV

RSV is a very common virus and for most kids, it just causes cold symptoms. But, RSV can cause more severe breathing issues in some children. If a child’s rib cage is “caving in” and forming an upside-down “V” shape under their neck like the baby in this video ( https://fb.watch/gyzlkRam8F/ ), they are working too hard to breathe and you should call your pediatrician. Learn more about RSV from AAP’s parenting website Healthy Children: http://ow.ly/LhG950Ln0eS

10/09/2025

❌MYTH: Baby will choke if they are placed on their back to sleep.

✔️FACT: Babies may actually clear secretions better placed on their backs.

10/09/2025

Anatomy Unveiled: Structures and Functions Within the Lactating Breast

Mammary Glands:
In a lactating breast, the mammary gland is a complex structure dedicated to producing milk. Hormonal changes during lactation prompt these glands to create and release milk, providing essential nourishment for your baby.

Blood Vessels:
Blood vessels within the breast play a crucial role in supporting breastmilk production, delivering nutrients and oxygen to the mammary glands, essential for making breastmilk.

Fat, Ligaments & Connective Tissue
Ligaments and connective tissue in the lactating breast offer crucial support, maintaining breast structure during pregnancy and breastfeeding. They aid in supporting milk-producing structures and facilitating milk flow.

Ni**le and Ar**la:
The ni**le, a prominent projection at the center of the breast, is the primary outlet for milk during breastfeeding. Surrounding the ni**le is the ar**la, the pigmented skin area housing Montgomery glands. These glands produce oils that act as a natural lubricant and protect the ni**le from dryness or irritation while nursing.

Lobules and Alveoli:
Clusters of lobules, resembling grape-like structures, house alveoli, the microscopic sacs responsible for milk synthesis.

Milk Ducts:
The milk ducts play a crucial role in the delivery of milk. They are a network of tubes within the breast that transport milk from the lobules (where the milk is produced) to the ni**le during breastfeeding.

Initiation of Breastfeeding:
When a baby latches onto the breast, tactile stimulation triggers sensory nerves in the ni**le, sending signals to the brain, particularly the hypothalamus.

Milk Ejection and Production:
When oxytocin is released, it triggers the contraction of myoepithelial cells encircling the alveoli. This contraction initiates the let-down reflex, a vital mechanism that propels milk from the alveoli into the ducts, making it available for the baby to nurse. Meanwhile, prolactin plays a crucial role in milk production, stimulating alveolar cells within the mammary glands, guiding them to produce both colostrum. This hormone supports the continuous creation of milk.

Credit: Milky Goodness

10/07/2025

🍼 When it comes to refrigerating breast milk, timing is everything! Whether you're a first-time parent or a seasoned pro, this information will ensure that your liquid gold stays fresh and nutritious for your bundle of joy. 💛

For more information on safety and storage, visit: https://bit.ly/4etCXaB

10/07/2025

Did you know that 4 out of 5 new parents have the “baby blues” while 1 in 5 develop more serious mental health issues? The “baby blues” usually go away on their own but some things that you can do include:
- Get as much sleep as you can
- Ask for help from your partner, family, and friends
- Take time for yourself
-Try to connect with other new parents
- Don’t drink alcohol or use substances
- Eat healthy foods and try to get exercise

For more information on postpartum depression and resources to seek help, visit https://www.marchofdimes.org/find-support/topics/postpartum/baby-blues-after-pregnancy

10/07/2025

Love them, nurse them, and hold them. Food spoils; infants do not.

10/06/2025

Be gentle with yourself, mama. 💗