Quick Facts

Breastmilk is a living substance. It has more than 200 identifiable nutrients in the perfect combination for each individual baby.

Breastmilk changes as the baby grows to meet his constantly changing nutritional needs.

Benefits to babies include a lower risk for obesity, breast cancer and childhood cancers, SIDS and allergies.

Benefits for mothers include a reduced risk for breast, uterine and ovarian cancer. Other benefits include a reduced risk for osteoporosis, a faster recovery after childbirth and less postpartum depression.

Breastfeeding requires 500 extra calories per day, which can help the mother lose excess pregnancy weight.

A mother does not have to have a perfect diet to make perfect breastmilk for her baby.

WIC Program - Lactation Center Services

The Springfield-Greene County Health Department's Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program offers its Lactation Center, located at 440 East Tampa Street, for education and assistance to breastfeeding families at no cost. An International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) is available to families who are currently breastfeeding or are thinking about breastfeeding, along with trained peer breastfeeding counselors and nutritionists.

The Center recognizes that the twentieth century has witnessed vast improvements in obstetrical care. But mothers have other crucial needs before, during and after childbirth, including education and emotional support as they prepare for the baby's birth and later bond with and integrate the new baby into their families.

The following services are available at the Lactation Center:

Childbirth Classes: As every pregnancy and birth is different, the process still remains wonderfully constant. This class is meant to be a guide as your own story unfolds.
Prenatal Yoga: Yoga has been shown to help the body prepare for and recover from the birth of your baby. It also helps with fatigue, and the common discomforts of pregnancy.
Itsy Bitsy Yoga: Teaches techniques for soothing, relaxing and enhancing baby digestion and sleep. Together, the class strengthens the parent-child bond.
Doula Services: The Doula assists families in gathering information about the course of their labor and the options available. The most crucial role of the Doula is providing continuous emotional reassurance and comfort.
Nutrition Services: Dietary counseling, breastfeeding support and education.

For more information, contact the WIC Nutrition Program in person or by mail at 440 East Tampa Street, Springfield, MO 65806 or by telephone at 417-851-1581.

The Springfield-Greene County WIC program is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Services are provided on a non-discriminatory basis. Standards for participation in the WIC program are the same for everyone, regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age or handicap. Persons who desire information in an alternate format because of a disability, should contact the Springfield-Greene County WIC Program, 440 East Tampa Street, Springfield, MO 65806, or call 417-851-1581. Hearing-impaired citizens may contact the department through Missouri Relay at 1-800-735-2966.