Breastfeeding Support

Supporting breastfeeding where families live, work, play and raise children.

Upcoming: Breastfeeding Events (scroll down for more info!) 

Empowering Breastfeeding:                A Source of Nurturing Support

Choosing to breastfeed is a great decision for moms and their babies. When babies drink breast milk, they get a special mix of nutrients, antibodies, and enzymes that help with healthy growth and development. This special milk also makes their immune systems stronger, which means they are less likely to get sick or have allergies. Plus, it has things that are good for their brains, making them smarter!

For moms, breastfeeding helps their bodies get back to normal after having a baby. It releases something called oxytocin, which makes the uterus (the part of the body that held the baby) go back to its normal size and helps reduce bleeding after giving birth. And when moms breastfeed, it's not just about food – it's a special time to connect with their babies and build a strong emotional bond.

Natural, free, and what’s best for mom and baby—that’s why we provide a strong system that helps moms reach their breastfeeding goals.

Did you know?

  • 85% of mothers want to breastfeed
  • 81% initiate breastfeeding
  • Only 30% of mothers reach their breastfeeding goals without support.

We Offer information and advice on:

  • Normal infant feeding patterns and what to expect
  • Latch and positioning
  • Breastfeeding challenges
  • Navigating return to work or school

Did you know BEDHD was recognized by The Michigan Breastfeeding Network in 2022 with Michigan Breastfeeding-Friendly Workplace and Outpatient Awards?

Barry-Eaton Baby Café

Baby Café is a FREE informal place where you can meet-up, ask breastfeeding questions, meet other moms, and receive professional lactation care and intervention from Certified Lactation Educators (CLE). WIC enrollment or registration is not required, anyone can attend! Children and significant others are also welcome to join!

Barry County

Date: Tuesdays
Time: 10am to 12pm
Location: Hastings Public Library: 227 E State St, Hastings, MI 49058 (October through May), Tyden Park: Hastings Riverwalk, Hastings, MI 49058 (June through September)

Eaton County

Date: Wednesdays
Time: 10am to 12pm
Location: AL!VE: 800 W Lawrence Ave, Charlotte, MI 48813

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WIC & Baby Café staff at the Eaton County Baby Café Grand Opening in 2023.

WIC

WIC offers services to help breastfeeding moms including:

  • Free breast pumps and breastfeeding supplies for breastfeeding moms.
  • Monday through Friday breastfeeding support from a breastfeeding Peer Counselor.
  • After hour breastfeeding support from a WIC Peer Counselor on Tuesdays and Fridays from 5pm-7pm by calling (269) 838-9985.
  • Access to a Certified Lactation Educator (CLE) and an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) for breastfeeding concerns.
  • WIC food packages exclusively for breastfeeding moms.

As your WIC care team, we are commitment to sharing our passion and expertise with you.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

Upcoming: Breastfeeding Events

Please join us for the first annual breastfeeding events in Barry and Eaton Counties! Come support breastfeeding, receive resources from local vendors, learn how businesses can become more breastfeeding friendly, enjoy some snacks, hear from speakers on the benefits of breastfeeding, and enjoy a walk around the event with breastfeeding facts along the way!

Giveaways

We will be giving away:

  • Nursing pads
  • Milk storage bags

We will be raffling off:

  • Boppy pillows
  • Breastfeeding covers

*Winners will be announced at the end of the event.

Accommodations

To request an accommodation based on a disability, please fill out the form below or call: (517) 541-2694.

Barry County Event

Date: Thursday, August 1st, 2024
Time: 9am to 12pm
Location: Barry County Courthouse

*This event is in partnership with Corewell Health

Eaton County Event

Date: Wednesday, August 7th, 2024
Time: 9am to 12pm
Location: AL!VE

Information for Vendors

Vendors are welcome to share information on breastfeeding, maternal and child health, prevention, parenting, or a related topic. If you are interested in becoming a vendor, register at the link below. Please reach out to Beth Erin (BErin@Bedhd.org) for additional information.

Page last updated: [7/8/2024]