WIC appointments are available by phone, video, online, and in-person. [Learn More](https://www.phfewic.org/wic-appointment-options/)
WIC appointments are available by phone, video, online, and in-person. [Learn More](https://www.phfewic.org/wic-appointment-options/)
Las citas de WIC están disponibles por teléfono, video, en línea y en persona. [Más información](https://www.phfewic.org/es/citas-flexibles-de-wic-para-familias-ocupadas/)
Las citas de WIC están disponibles por teléfono, video, en línea y en persona. [Más información](https://www.phfewic.org/es/citas-flexibles-de-wic-para-familias-ocupadas/)
This August 25 -31, we celebrate the 9th annual Black Breastfeeding Week.
This year’s theme is The Big Pause: Collective Rest for Collective Power.
As we honor Black breastfeeding and the power of rest, we want to use this opportunity to highlight and acknowledge all of those involved in WIC’s sister program CinnaMoms. They have made a positive impact on Black parents and families and been part of our community’s breastfeeding support system.
CinnaMoms has been creating a safe space and community for Black/African American families since 2015. Twice each month, members come together in virtual support circles to learn and share their experiences with breastfeeding, chestfeeding, parenting, and health.
CinnaMoms support circles are hosted on Zoom on the 1st and 3rd Thursday every month. Click here to learn more and join our next support circle.
In celebration of Black Breastfeeding Week, Diversify Dietetics nominated PHFE WIC’s Dr. Toncé Jackson, Ed.D., MPH, RDN, CLE for their RDN Spotlight.
Toncé is the Senior Health Equity Manager at PHFE WIC in Los Angeles County and Co-founder of CinnaMoms. In these roles, she been able to help change the Black/African American families experiences in breastfeeding, by creating a safe space for families to come and just be themselves.
Click here to read more about her journey in the Dietetics world.
Participants must register and provide proof of registration upon arrival to receive the breast pump and baby items. Families may show the confirmation email on their phone or bring a printed copy. This will be used to match the registered family with their items.
Fresh produce will be available for all families (no registration required, however, supplies are limited. First come, first served).
August 15-21 we celebrate the inaugural Asian American, Native Hawaiian, & Pacific Islander breastfeeding week.
This year’s theme is “Reclaiming Our Traditions“. PHFE WIC is committed to supporting the community in reclaiming the tradition of breastfeeding by providing professional individualized breastfeeding support in our WIC participants’ native languages.
PHFE WIC Staff are reclaiming their cultures’ traditions and proudly say, “I breastfeed!”
Congratulations to CHEER Champion Wendy Fung
In celebration of the inaugural Asian American Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Breastfeeding Week, the Center for Health Equity, Education, & Research (CHEER) nominated PHFE WIC’s Wen Ting (Wendy) Fung, MS, RD, and soon-to-be IBCLC as a CHEER Champion.
Wendy is the Breastfeeding Services Supervisor at PHFE WIC in Los Angeles County and Co-founder of Asian & Pacific Islander (API) Breastfeeding Task Force. In these roles, she helps moms to overcome breastfeeding challenges and strives to establish connections with other organizations to improve breastfeeding support, encourage moms to persevere with their breastfeeding goals, and promote exclusive breastfeeding.
“Often in the AAPI community, we have high initiation rates because breastfeeding is a tradition in our community. However, because of other influences, the duration of breastfeeding is quite short. It is important for moms to have breastfeeding support from their own community, people who look like them and speak their language.” – Wendy Fung, MS, RDN, soon-to-be IBCLC
On Wednesday, August 4, 2021, PHFE WIC hosted a live Zoom event with community organizations from San Jose Mother’s Milk Bank, Eisner Health LA, Emanate Health, and Mighty Little Giants.
They shared information about the Milk Banks in the community. Pauline Sakamoto, MS, RN, PHN of San Jose Mother’s Milk Bank presented the history of Milks Banks and the process of donating milk. She shared that participants will go through a simple health screening before they drop off their milks for donation.
Jessica Wade, NS, CLES, Certified Doula, CEO and Founder of Mighty Little Giants shared her own experience receiving donor breast milk with her son. While, Magdalena Estrada, MPH, CHES, IBCLC, LCCE of Eisner Health LA Milk Depot and Annette Benavides, MSN, RNC-OB of San Gabriel Valley Milk Depot introduced their Milk Depot and the Milk Collection Events.
We were so thrilled to learn from all of our speakers and excited for the future of milk banks.
Written by: Jocelyn Cortez, PHFE WIC Dietetic Intern
It’s common for a new parent to be worried about breastfeeding or chestfeeding. Parents may wonder if it will be painful, question their body’s abilities, or wonder where to go for immediate support.
Parents in traditional cultures lean on aunts, cousins, and neighbors for help. Support systems are critical for new parents. WIC is committed to being part of our community’s support system. PHFE WIC counselors include Certified Lactation Educators and International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) with the training and experienced to provide expert individualized breastfeeding support and guide and encourage parents through their feeding journey.
We are here for you!
In honor of Breastfeeding Month, one of PHFE WIC’s lactation consultants, Jessica Estrada, IBCLC sat for an interview with dietetic intern Jocelyn Cortez to talk about her career journey, WIC insights, and her advice for expecting parents.
Jessica Estrada, IBCLC
About Jessica Estrada, IBCLC
Jessica started her lactation support career in her role at WIC as a Breastfeeding Peer Counselor in 2010, providing nutrition and breastfeeding education to clients during their pregnancy and hands-on support once the baby was born. She then earned her International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) credential through UC San Diego in December 2019 and continues to share her breastfeeding and chestfeeding expertise with WIC families today.
Jessica’s passion for her lactation career has grown throughout her journey in WIC. As a mom herself, the challenges of being a first time mother and her experience with breastfeeding have called her to be a guide to other parents. She knows that there is misinformation on the internet and not having the proper guidance can contribute to falling away from one’s breastfeeding goal. Jessica continues to teach breastfeeding classes and serve clients with common breastfeeding concerns like latching difficulties, breastmilk production, using a breast pumping, monitoring babies’ weight gain, and hand-on support to help parents meet their feeding goals. She is also involved in a Physician Rotation Program at WIC where she teaches medical students about baby behavior and breastfeeding feeding patterns along with recommendations that teach the visiting medical interns about the breastfeeding world.
What does a Lactation Consultant do?
JE: A Lactation Consultant is a professional who specializes in the field of breastfeeding. We help mothers that are having breastfeeding problems. There may be many reasons a mother needs support, some examples but not limited to helping a mother with plugged ducts, mastitis, thrush, and helping babies that are unable to latch a baby to the breast or unable to maintain a latch. Right now because of the COVID-19 pandemic we are conducting virtual counselings to screen clients prior to working with our clients in person to assure the baby is latching well and assuring our mothers that the baby is gaining a healthy weight and thriving while the baby is being breastfeed.
Why should someone see a lactation consultant?
JE: If you need help, contact WIC ask for breastfeeding guidance with a lactation consultant. WIC gives you access for free consultation with a lactation consultant. Any questions a parent has about latching, breastmilk supply, or returning to work, WIC can help. In my profession, I reassure new mothers about the normal course of breastfeeding and parenting a new baby. If doctor referrals or follow-ups are necessary, we provide additional support in those areas as well.
How can a WIC parent connect with a lactation consultant?
JE: WIC has an infant feeding helpline number available to our clients with any breastfeeding questions. Certified Lactation Educators and Lactation Consultants (breastfeeding specialists) answer your breastfeeding questions and can schedule an in-person visit if needed. The hours are Monday – Friday from 9:00 am – 5:30 pm Pacific time at (888) 278-6455.
What is the secret to increasing milk production?
JE: The best way to ensure a great milk supply is to breastfeed frequently. There are no foods that mom must eat or avoid. We recommend that mom makes healthy choices when possible but in general enjoy her normal diet. The secret is breastfeeding every time the baby shows early hunger cues–10 or more times in 24 hours, which is about every 2-3 hours or sooner. The key is to stimulate the breasts often to increase the milk supply. When parents have milk supply questions, we can often reassure them by weighing their baby and discussing the baby’s hunger cues and feeding history.
What makes milk production decrease?
JE: Milk supply decreases when breastfeeding frequency decreases or when the baby is not breastfeeding effectively. Some medications are contraindicated during breastfeeding due to their effect on milk supply. In these cases we recommend that moms work with their healthcare provider to find an alternative medication to protect milk supply and support the parents decision to breastfeed or chestfeed.
Do C-sections cause lactation problems?
JE: Sometimes parents who have had a C-section benefit from some extra help with ideas for positioning their babies for comfort and supporting their breast milk production. We recommend monitoring the baby’s weight and number of soiled diapers, and reaching out to WIC soon after the baby is born so that we can identify issues and connect parents with with an IBCLC quickly. Connecting with WIC early helps protect the parent’s milk supply and get off to a great start with feeding.
What else do you want to share with parents?
JE: Do not feel embarrassed to reach out for help! At WIC we want to help you meet your feeding goals! Plan for breastfeeding to go smoothly, and it probably will! Your baby will be born with amazing instincts that will help breastfeeding get off to a good start. Nurse frequently and get help early. Every drop of breastmilk is a gift!
This August 25 -31, we celebrate the 9th annual Black Breastfeeding Week.
This year’s theme is The Big Pause: Collective Rest for Collective Power.
As we honor Black breastfeeding and the power of rest, we want to use this opportunity to highlight and acknowledge all of those involved in WIC’s sister program CinnaMoms. They have made a positive impact on Black parents and families and been part of our community’s breastfeeding support system.
CinnaMoms has been creating a safe space and community for Black/African American families since 2015. Twice each month, members come together in virtual support circles to learn and share their experiences with breastfeeding, chestfeeding, parenting, and health.
CinnaMoms support circles are hosted on Zoom on the 1st and 3rd Thursday every month. Click here to learn more and join our next support circle.
In celebration of Black Breastfeeding Week, Diversify Dietetics nominated PHFE WIC’s Dr. Toncé Jackson, Ed.D., MPH, RDN, CLE for their RDN Spotlight.
Toncé is the Senior Health Equity Manager at PHFE WIC in Los Angeles County and Co-founder of CinnaMoms. In these roles, she been able to help change the Black/African American families experiences in breastfeeding, by creating a safe space for families to come and just be themselves.
Click here to read more about her journey in the Dietetics world.
Participants must register and provide proof of registration upon arrival to receive the breast pump and baby items. Families may show the confirmation email on their phone or bring a printed copy. This will be used to match the registered family with their items.
Fresh produce will be available for all families (no registration required, however, supplies are limited. First come, first served).
August 15-21 we celebrate the inaugural Asian American, Native Hawaiian, & Pacific Islander breastfeeding week.
This year’s theme is “Reclaiming Our Traditions“. PHFE WIC is committed to supporting the community in reclaiming the tradition of breastfeeding by providing professional individualized breastfeeding support in our WIC participants’ native languages.
PHFE WIC Staff are reclaiming their cultures’ traditions and proudly say, “I breastfeed!”
Congratulations to CHEER Champion Wendy Fung
In celebration of the inaugural Asian American Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Breastfeeding Week, the Center for Health Equity, Education, & Research (CHEER) nominated PHFE WIC’s Wen Ting (Wendy) Fung, MS, RD, and soon-to-be IBCLC as a CHEER Champion.
Wendy is the Breastfeeding Services Supervisor at PHFE WIC in Los Angeles County and Co-founder of Asian & Pacific Islander (API) Breastfeeding Task Force. In these roles, she helps moms to overcome breastfeeding challenges and strives to establish connections with other organizations to improve breastfeeding support, encourage moms to persevere with their breastfeeding goals, and promote exclusive breastfeeding.
“Often in the AAPI community, we have high initiation rates because breastfeeding is a tradition in our community. However, because of other influences, the duration of breastfeeding is quite short. It is important for moms to have breastfeeding support from their own community, people who look like them and speak their language.” – Wendy Fung, MS, RDN, soon-to-be IBCLC
On Wednesday, August 4, 2021, PHFE WIC hosted a live Zoom event with community organizations from San Jose Mother’s Milk Bank, Eisner Health LA, Emanate Health, and Mighty Little Giants.
They shared information about the Milk Banks in the community. Pauline Sakamoto, MS, RN, PHN of San Jose Mother’s Milk Bank presented the history of Milks Banks and the process of donating milk. She shared that participants will go through a simple health screening before they drop off their milks for donation.
Jessica Wade, NS, CLES, Certified Doula, CEO and Founder of Mighty Little Giants shared her own experience receiving donor breast milk with her son. While, Magdalena Estrada, MPH, CHES, IBCLC, LCCE of Eisner Health LA Milk Depot and Annette Benavides, MSN, RNC-OB of San Gabriel Valley Milk Depot introduced their Milk Depot and the Milk Collection Events.
We were so thrilled to learn from all of our speakers and excited for the future of milk banks.
Written by: Jocelyn Cortez, PHFE WIC Dietetic Intern
It’s common for a new parent to be worried about breastfeeding or chestfeeding. Parents may wonder if it will be painful, question their body’s abilities, or wonder where to go for immediate support.
Parents in traditional cultures lean on aunts, cousins, and neighbors for help. Support systems are critical for new parents. WIC is committed to being part of our community’s support system. PHFE WIC counselors include Certified Lactation Educators and International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) with the training and experienced to provide expert individualized breastfeeding support and guide and encourage parents through their feeding journey.
We are here for you!
In honor of Breastfeeding Month, one of PHFE WIC’s lactation consultants, Jessica Estrada, IBCLC sat for an interview with dietetic intern Jocelyn Cortez to talk about her career journey, WIC insights, and her advice for expecting parents.
Jessica Estrada, IBCLC
About Jessica Estrada, IBCLC
Jessica started her lactation support career in her role at WIC as a Breastfeeding Peer Counselor in 2010, providing nutrition and breastfeeding education to clients during their pregnancy and hands-on support once the baby was born. She then earned her International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) credential through UC San Diego in December 2019 and continues to share her breastfeeding and chestfeeding expertise with WIC families today.
Jessica’s passion for her lactation career has grown throughout her journey in WIC. As a mom herself, the challenges of being a first time mother and her experience with breastfeeding have called her to be a guide to other parents. She knows that there is misinformation on the internet and not having the proper guidance can contribute to falling away from one’s breastfeeding goal. Jessica continues to teach breastfeeding classes and serve clients with common breastfeeding concerns like latching difficulties, breastmilk production, using a breast pumping, monitoring babies’ weight gain, and hand-on support to help parents meet their feeding goals. She is also involved in a Physician Rotation Program at WIC where she teaches medical students about baby behavior and breastfeeding feeding patterns along with recommendations that teach the visiting medical interns about the breastfeeding world.
What does a Lactation Consultant do?
JE: A Lactation Consultant is a professional who specializes in the field of breastfeeding. We help mothers that are having breastfeeding problems. There may be many reasons a mother needs support, some examples but not limited to helping a mother with plugged ducts, mastitis, thrush, and helping babies that are unable to latch a baby to the breast or unable to maintain a latch. Right now because of the COVID-19 pandemic we are conducting virtual counselings to screen clients prior to working with our clients in person to assure the baby is latching well and assuring our mothers that the baby is gaining a healthy weight and thriving while the baby is being breastfeed.
Why should someone see a lactation consultant?
JE: If you need help, contact WIC ask for breastfeeding guidance with a lactation consultant. WIC gives you access for free consultation with a lactation consultant. Any questions a parent has about latching, breastmilk supply, or returning to work, WIC can help. In my profession, I reassure new mothers about the normal course of breastfeeding and parenting a new baby. If doctor referrals or follow-ups are necessary, we provide additional support in those areas as well.
How can a WIC parent connect with a lactation consultant?
JE: WIC has an infant feeding helpline number available to our clients with any breastfeeding questions. Certified Lactation Educators and Lactation Consultants (breastfeeding specialists) answer your breastfeeding questions and can schedule an in-person visit if needed. The hours are Monday – Friday from 9:00 am – 5:30 pm Pacific time at (888) 278-6455.
What is the secret to increasing milk production?
JE: The best way to ensure a great milk supply is to breastfeed frequently. There are no foods that mom must eat or avoid. We recommend that mom makes healthy choices when possible but in general enjoy her normal diet. The secret is breastfeeding every time the baby shows early hunger cues–10 or more times in 24 hours, which is about every 2-3 hours or sooner. The key is to stimulate the breasts often to increase the milk supply. When parents have milk supply questions, we can often reassure them by weighing their baby and discussing the baby’s hunger cues and feeding history.
What makes milk production decrease?
JE: Milk supply decreases when breastfeeding frequency decreases or when the baby is not breastfeeding effectively. Some medications are contraindicated during breastfeeding due to their effect on milk supply. In these cases we recommend that moms work with their healthcare provider to find an alternative medication to protect milk supply and support the parents decision to breastfeed or chestfeed.
Do C-sections cause lactation problems?
JE: Sometimes parents who have had a C-section benefit from some extra help with ideas for positioning their babies for comfort and supporting their breast milk production. We recommend monitoring the baby’s weight and number of soiled diapers, and reaching out to WIC soon after the baby is born so that we can identify issues and connect parents with with an IBCLC quickly. Connecting with WIC early helps protect the parent’s milk supply and get off to a great start with feeding.
What else do you want to share with parents?
JE: Do not feel embarrassed to reach out for help! At WIC we want to help you meet your feeding goals! Plan for breastfeeding to go smoothly, and it probably will! Your baby will be born with amazing instincts that will help breastfeeding get off to a good start. Nurse frequently and get help early. Every drop of breastmilk is a gift!
