FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: August 05 2025
Contact: Jon Ebelt, Communications Director, DPHHS, (406) 444-0936, (406) 461-3757
jebelt@mt.gov
August is National Breastfeeding Month
DPHHS urges new or expecting moms to utilize the WIC program
The Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) reminds new moms of the benefits of breastfeeding and the support that Montana Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program provides. WIC staff are trained to promote breastfeeding and support new mothers in successful breastfeeding. WIC state and local agencies offer assistance throughout the prenatal and postpartum periods, when mothers most likely need help.
“As part of the WIC program, moms get nutritious food packages including milk, cereal, eggs, fruits and vegetables, whole wheat bread, grains, canned fish, beans, peanut butter, and cheese,” said Lacy Little, director of the state WIC program. “WIC supports moms in reaching their feeding goals.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 87.7% of Montana’s children received breastmilk, and 68.3% were still breastfeeding at six months — slightly above the national average.
Mothers who fully or mostly breastfeed their infants can participate in WIC for up to one year after giving birth. Moms who exclusively breastfeed their babies and do not receive infant formula from WIC are eligible for an enhanced food package, offering more food and a wider variety than packages that include infant formula.
Additionally, when babies are 6-12 months old, these mothers receive special food packages that include:
- Meats for infants
- Peer counseling
- Access to lactation experts
- Breastfeeding aids, such as breast pumps
- Larger food packages,
- Extended program participation eligibility
- Access to trained staff
- Numerous other resources and referrals
“Breastfeeding has many benefits for both moms and their babies,” said Little. “We want moms across the state to know that WIC is here to help make breastfeeding a little bit easier.”
Breastfeeding benefits include:
- Provides optimal nutrition for infant growth and development
- Lowers mothers’ risk of certain cancers and diabetes
- Provides cost savings to families because breastmilk is free
- Reduces the baby’s risk of certain diseases and infections
- Aids mothers in a quicker postpartum recovery
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, followed by continued breastfeeding and the introduction of appropriate complementary foods for up to two years. Sixty percent of mothers do not breastfeed for as long as they intend to for various reasons. For tips on breastfeeding and other support, go to https://wicbreastfeeding.fns.usda.gov.
WIC in Montana includes 33 local agencies and over 80 clinic sites serving all 56 counties and seven tribal reservations. Almost 13,300 women, infants, and children are enrolled in Montana. However, only 55% of currently eligible families are signed up.
WIC was created in 1974 to help families and young children during a critical time of growth and development. The program’s benefits include providing families access to healthy food, breastfeeding education, health and social services referrals, and more. WIC is a voluntary program, and participation does not affect eligibility for SNAP or Medicaid.
WIC eligibility requires participants to be pregnant, postpartum, breastfeeding, or have a child under five. Participants must also meet income requirements, defined as less than 185% of the Federal Poverty Level or qualify for Medicaid, SNAP, TANF, or the free or reduced school meal program. Specific WIC eligibility guidelines can be found on the DPHHS website.
To learn more about WIC or find out if you are eligible, visit www.dphhs.mt.gov/ecfsd/wic/index. Families can also contact their local WIC clinic or visit www.signupwic.com for more information. The state office may be reached at 1-800-433-4298 or emailed at montanawicprogram@mt.gov.