WIC & Breastfeeding

Having access to healthy foods is an important part of growing up healthy. The WIC program was designed to make healthy foods more available for pregnant people, breastfeeding/chestfeeding and postpartum parents, infants, and children.  

For more information, contact your local WIC office in Duluth at 218-725-5211 or Virginia, Hibbing, and Ely at 218-471-7604.
Leave a message for a return callback. 

Find out if you’re eligible from the Minnesota Department of Health’s WIC page.

Welcome to WIC! - MN Dept. of Health
MN WIC Application 
USDA Nondiscrimination Statement 

All families deserve support on their feeding journey. Our staff and community partners provide education, encouragement, and connections for pregnant and breastfeeding/chestfeeding individuals. Breastfeeding is the best, most nurturing way of feeding your baby – something special you can do for your child. Support is available through the WIC program and local resources for those who are not WIC-eligible.

General Lactation Information:

About Breastfeeding - MN Dept. of Health- General information about lactation from MDH

Making the decision to breastfeed- Benefits of providing human milk, US Dept of Health and Human Services

Preparing to breastfeed- Getting Ready to Breastfeed, US Dept of Health and Human Services

Getting Back to Work and Breast/Chestfeeding:

Information about parental leave, returning to work, expressing milk, childcare and more. Back to Work | BreastmilkCounts.com

Minnesota State laws that protect people Sec. 181.939 MN Statutes

Forgot your pump? Guide to hand expression: Hand-Expression-Handout-IYCF-E and an excellent video How to Express Breastmilk - Video - Global Health Media Project

Proper Storage and Handling of Human Milk Breast Milk Storage and Preparation | Breastfeeding | CDC

WIC Services

Our WIC staff includes specially trained Certified Lactation Educators and Consultants who provide education and support to pregnant and breastfeeding/chestfeeding individuals. Families can also connect with a Peer Breastfeeding/Chestfeeding Counselor- a WIC parent who lives in the community and has personal experience with lactation- for support by phone, text, or in-office visits.

WIC Services include:
- One-on-one support from Certified Lactation Consultants
- Peer support from parents with personal lactation experience
- Tips for navigating common feeding challenges
- Help creating a feeding plan that works for your family

Resources:
- Call your local WIC office to learn more or schedule a visit.
- WIC welcomes Peer Program Feedback: https://www.health.state.mn.us/people/wic/localagency/peer/index.html
- Learn about supporting breastfeeding/chestfeeding in the workplace: https://www.health.state.mn.us/people/wic/localagency/bffriendly/index.html

Click Here for Community Resources for Lactation (Non-WIC)