People lying on yoga mats in room with infants

More Than Milk—WIC Supports Lifelong Health

Author: Public Health
Date: 8/8/2025 8:15 AM

Assistance buying healthy food, practical nutrition tips, breastfeeding support from lactation consultants and peer counselors are just a few ways the WIC program helps families.

In SLO County, 35% of infants are enrolled in the Women, Infants & Children Program (WIC)—a program that has helped give babies a healthy start in SLO County for over 50 years.

While California’s average breastfeeding rate for six-month-olds is 25%, SLO County WIC babies exceed 40%. And by 11 months, 60% of local WIC infants are still breastfeeding, surpassing national rates by 15%.

A happy, healthy start to life can have lifelong impact. Assistance buying healthy food, practical nutrition tips, breastfeeding support from lactation consultants and peer counselors are just a few ways the program helps families.

"Breastfeeding can have its challenges," said Mikaela Garfield, WIC Lactation Consultant, "And having someone to talk to and help coach you is extremely valuable and important for new parents."

Every drop of breastmilk makes a difference—it’s packed with essential vitamins, minerals and nutrients that support a baby’s growth and development.

For decades, WIC has been a proven public health program by helping families find healthy food, practical nutrition tips and expert guidance on breastfeeding. "Our dedicated WIC team is here for you—offering care and support through every stage of early child development," said Shannon Massey, Program Manager of SLO County WIC. "In 2024, our team supported nearly 6,500 individuals, including 950 parents who received personalized encouragement from our trained peer counselors to support their breastfeeding goals."

First 5 SLO County is a valued partner of WIC, helping connect families to essential services and promoting breastfeeding education and peer support for pregnant and breastfeeding individuals.

The team celebrates the importance of breastfeeding in August every year in honor of National Breastfeeding Month. This year, the team organized a pre- and postnatal yoga event where WIC participants and friends gathered at the SLO Vets Hall.

Families can apply for WIC online, by phone, or in person. Visit slocounty.gov/WIC to learn more.