Breastfeeding and pumping to feed babies human milk are important for babies, mothers, birthing parents, and families. Polk—Norman—Mahnomen (PNM) WIC supports feeding human milk to infants in any amount and provides support and resources for parents before and during their infant feeding journey.
This includes:
- Talking about the importance of human milk
- Providing extra foods to support a lactating parent’s nutritional needs
- Providing resources to help families reach their infant feeding goals
In 2023, Polk-Norman-Mahnomen earned a top spot among WIC clinics in Minnesota, and the nation, for its commitment to breastfeeding and received the Gold Breastfeeding Award of Excellence level, the award is valid for 3 years.
“This award is a testament to our dedication to supporting our families throughout their infant feeding journey. Our program staff work hard to normalize breastfeeding and educate families on the importance of human milk,” said Tammy Conn, PMN Breastfeeding Coordinator. “We know everyone’s infant feeding journey is different, and our goal is to provide tailored support to each parent to give their baby the best possible start”.
The United States Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service (USDA-FNS) WIC Breastfeeding Award of Excellence Program (https://www.fns.usda.gov/wic/breastfeeding-award-excellence-program) recognizes local WIC programs that provide exemplary breastfeeding promotion and support activities. Some of Polk- Norman-Mahnomen’s efforts include:
- Providing Mama’s Milk Connection, a monthly breastfeeding support group since 2007, in Crookston. Call 218-281-1673 (for meeting dates and location)
- Offering WIC families, a breastfeeding peer support counselor, to work with parents to increase breastfeeding initiation, exclusivity and duration
- Providing Rock and Rest tents at the Polk, Norman, and Mahnomen County Fairs
- Promoting and sharing the updated Minnesota Breastfeeding and Pregnancy laws, to worksites and families
- Facilitating the Polk County Breastfeeding Coalition, acting as a breastfeeding resource for the area
- Canvasing Polk County with the Anytime, Anywhere Initiative. Encouraging businesses in signing a “Breastfeeding Welcome Here” pledge and displaying a Breastfeeding Symbol window cling
- Public Health and WIC staff maintain up-to-date knowledge/training on lactation education and best practices
National Breastfeeding Month
Polk- Norman-Mahnomen WIC and the Minnesota WIC Program are celebrating National Breastfeeding Month and World Breastfeeding Week by reminding families to take advantage of the lactation education and support WIC provides for pregnant and breastfeeding or pumping parents.
Eligible families who apply for WIC (https://redcap.health.state.mn.us/redcap/surveys/?s=LNKN377EPE) early in pregnancy and ask for advice and support early and often during their infant feeding journey achieve the best possible outcomes. Polk-Norman-Mahnomen WIC supports breastfeeding in any amount and is here for families feeding their babies with a combination of human milk and formula and families exclusively using formula.
To celebrate World Breastfeeding Week, on Thursday, August 1, Mama’s Milk Connection will host a “Party at the Playground” from 5:30-7:00 p.m. This will be a time to share stories, breastfeeding successes, play games, and a light meal will be served. This celebration will be at the Community Family Service Center Playground, 1407 Erskine Street, Crookston. All who promote, protect and support breastfeeding are welcome to join.
