Are you an expectant or new mother who wants to nurse your child? At Clinica
Sierra Vista, we agree with leading professionals that “breast is
best” for infant nutrition. Our registered lactation consultants
are trained to educate pregnant women with the support they need to breastfeed
and nourish their growing baby. WIC can offer breast pumps and other supplies
sometimes used during breastfeeding for some patients who need them, and
also WIC gives breastfeeding mothers a unique food package.
Why Do Doctors Tell Me “Breast Is Best”?
Breastmilk is nature’s answer to the best food for babies during
their first year of life, as it helps them grow healthy and strong. Breastfeeding
also helps infants who are too young to be vaccinated, as it helps them
build immunity. It’s best to breastfeed/nurse your baby for at least
6 months and to keep breastfeeding for 12 months, even as the baby transitions
to eating solid foods.
Some of the reasons “breast is best” and superior to baby formula include:
Nutrition: Breastmilk is the right temperature and has the perfect amount of protein,
sugar, fat, and vitamins babies need to grow healthy and strong.
Immunity: The antibodies in breastmilk help protect your baby from many illnesses
and other types of harm. Breastfed babies tend to get sick less often
than those fed with formula, avoiding ailments like ear or lung infections or UTIs.
Reduced risk of SIDS: Although it is uncommon, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is less likely
to occur among breastfed infants than formula-fed babies, although the
reason why is still unclear.
No need to buy formula: As a parent, the cost of diapers and toys, and hygiene products can be
a new expense you never really anticipated fitting into your budget. Breastmilk
is free, and the more you breastfeed, the more milk your body will make.
Easily digestible: Breastfed babies tend to have less gas and upset tummies than formula-fed babies.
It helps the mother, too: Breastfeeding increases the oxytocin hormone, also known as the bonding
chemical, between mother and child. It also burns extra calories and can
help you get back to your pre-pregnancy weight. Other benefits include
lowering your risk for diabetes, breast/ovarian cancer, and more.
There are instances where breastfeeding is not recommended. Mothers who
take certain medications, have specific medical conditions, or use illicit
drugs should not breastfeed because they can pass these infections through
their breastmilk.
Learn here how to keep your breastmilk healthy and safe for your newborn.
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics USDA Nutrition Network for a Healthy
California Fruits & Veggies More Matters Food Allergies Child Nutrition|
Kids Health: the Healthy Fridge Nutrition and Physical Activity
Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity Weight Management for Children
American Academy of Family Physicians Recipes & Menus
Network for a Healthy California The California Women, Infants and Children
(WIC) Program
California WIC Program Prenatal Nutrition
March of Dimes Women’s Health
Breastfeeding
La Leche League Breastfeeding Guide
About Clinica Sierra Vista’s WIC Program
At Clinica Sierra Vista, our WIC Program is known for its client-centered
approach and customer-friendly staff.
Each month, over 43,000 participants are benefited by our services.
With over 100 staff members, including 7 Registered Dietitians, 12 Degreed
Nutritionists, 7 International Board-Certified Lactation Consultants,
and over 26 Certified Lactation Educators, our participants receive the
highest quality of nutrition care and breastfeeding support available.
80% of our staff members are bilingual, enabling us to provide culturally
sensitive counseling and education.
We have 25 locations in Kern County and 5 locations in Fresno County.
If you are an expectant or new mother (and in some cases, single fathers
are eligible) for WIC benefits, please contact us for Kern County breastfeeding support.
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