Breastfeeding Frequently Asked Questions

All WIC local agencies offer a variety of breast pumps, which are provided to postpartum mothers after the WIC local agency has completed an assessment to determine which breast pump is appropriate for her.

• Manual breast pumps are given to mothers who are occasionally separated from their infant.
• Multi-user hospital grade pumps are loaned to mothers who have premature or hospitalized infants, multiple infants, issues with low milk supply or temporary feeding problems, and mothers going back to work. There may be a deposit charged that will be returned once the participant brings the pump back to the local agency.
• Many WIC local agencies also give single-user personal double electric breast pumps to mothers who are separated from their infants for 32 hours per week for work or school, exclusively breastfeeding at four (4) weeks postpartum, and are having no breastfeeding difficulties. This pump is given to moms who meet this criteria at no charge.

For assistance with breastfeeding questions, contact Lisa Schlientz, State Breastfeeding Coordinator, at Lisa.Schlientz@health.mo.gov or 573-751-6468.