Breastfeeding

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August marks National Breastfeeding Month, a time to celebrate, uplift, and empower families on their breastfeeding journeys. Whether it’s the first latch or the thousandth, breastfeeding is more than nourishment—it’s a bond, a connection, and a source of lifelong wellness. Let’s unite communities, expand access to breastfeeding resources, and uplift families with hope and awareness.

Why Breastfeed? The Benefits for Your Baby and You

Why Breastfeed? The Benefits for Your Baby and You

Nutrition:

Breast milk is the best source of nutrition for babies. As the baby grows, the mother’s breast milk will change to meet the nutritional needs of the baby.

 

Protection:

Research suggests that breastfeeding helps lowers your baby’s risk of certain infections and diseases, such as:

  • Ear infections,
  • Asthma,
  • Lower respiratory infections,
  • Diarrhea and vomiting,
  • Childhood obesity,
  • Eczema,
  • Type 2 diabetes,
  • Childhood leukemia, or
  • Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

Convenience:

Feed anytime, anywhere, no prep needed. Breast milk is free and helps keep your baby healthy, lowering doctor visits and costs.

Mother’s Health:

Breastfeeding can reduce the mother’s risk of breast and ovarian cancer, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure.

Tips to Boost Milk Supply

  • Nurse or pump every 2–3 hours
  • Stay hydrated & eat lactation-friendly foods (oats, flaxseed, leafy greens, lean proteins)
  • Practice skin-to-skin contact
  • Use both breasts to keep supply balanced\
  • Try power pumping (short, frequent pumping sessions)
  • Relax & manage stress with calming techniques

Breast Milk Storage Guidelines

Storage Location

Duration

Tips

Room Temp (less than or equal to 77ºF

Up to 4 hours

Keep away from heat and sunlight

Refrigerator (less than or equal to 40ºF

Up to 4 days

Store in the back, not door

Freezer (less than or equal to 0ºF)

Best within 6 months, max 12 months

Use BPA-free bags, label with date, and lay flat to save space.

Cooler with ice packs

Up to 24 hours

Ideal for travel or work commutes

 

Storage & Handling Tips:

  • Use clean, food-grade containers such as glass or BPA-free plastics with tight lids.
  • Label everything, make sure to include dates.
  • Thaw in fridge overnight or warm water, never microwave
  • Mix gently if fat separates
  • Use thawed milk within 24 hours; don’t refreeze

 

Preventing Mastitis

What is Mastitis?
Mastitis is a common breast infection that can happen when:

  • A milk duct becomes blocked
  • Bacteria enters through cracked or sore nipples

Symptoms may include:

  • Pain
  • Swelling
  • Warmth
  • Redness

Prevention Tips

  • Feed or pump regularly – Don’t skip sessions; milk buildup can lead to clogs.
  • Let baby fully empty one breast before switching – This keeps milk flowing freely.
  • Change breastfeeding positions – Helps drain all areas of the breast.
  • Ensure a good latch – A deep, pain-free latch prevents nipple damage and incomplete drainage.
  • Stay hydrated and take care of yourself
  • Rest, nutrition, and fluids help your body fight inflammation.
  • Avoid smoking – It increases your risk. Seek support if you need help quitting.
  • Wear comfortable bras – Avoid underwires or anything too tight around the breasts.

If you experience these symptoms, contact your healthcare provider for support and treatment.

Breastfeeding-Friendly Facilities

Breastfeeding-Friendly Facilities These spaces support nursing parents by providing clean, safe, and welcoming areas for breastfeeding or pumping. They can include hospitals, workplaces, childcare centers, community health clinics, and other public locations.

Local Breastfeeding Support



📍 Cameron County WIC Clinics Offer:
✅ Private spaces for nursing or pumping
✅ Breast feeding counselors
✅ Breast pumps
✅ Lactation consultants
✅ Nutrition education
✅ Support groups

The Power of Breast Milk Donation

Breast milk is more than nutrition — it’s lifesaving.

Donating breast milk helps support the health and survival of premature and medically fragile infants who may not have access to their mother’s milk. It’s a gift that:

  • Strengthens our most vulnerable babies
  • Empowers local moms to support others
  • Raises awareness about the unique benefits of human milk
  • How Breast Milk Donation Works

Step 1: Get Screened
Call the Mother’s Milk Bank at Austin at 1-877-813-6455 or visit milkbank.org to start a quick health screening

Step 2: Get Approved & Drop Off
Once approved, you can bring your extra breast milk to one of our drop-off locations:

  • San Benito WIC Clinic
  • Valley Regional Medical Center, Brownsville

Step 3: We Handle the Rest
The depot safely stores your donation and ships it to Mother’s Milk Bank at Austin, where it’s:

  • Tested
  •  Pasteurized
  • Sent to NICUs across Texas

Support for Donors and All Breastfeeding Families

At Cameron County Public Health, our WIC Clinics are dedicated to helping families embrace breastfeeding as a natural way to nourish their babies. We provide personalized breastfeeding education, hands-on support, and access to breast pumps to make the experience easier and more comfortable.

🔗 Learn more about our WIC Program

Additional Lactation Support Resources Texas Lactation Support Hotline: 1-855-550-6667

Printable & Shareable Resources

Printable WIC Breastfeeding Services Flyer

CITATIONS

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