Fresno EOC's WIC program helping first-time moms navigate breastfeeding journey

CLOVIS, Calif. (KFSN) -- First-time mom Jeantte Ocampo is learning how to navigate motherhood with her two-month-old baby, Rosita.

"Patience," said Ocampo. "I'm definitely a lot more patient. I've learned to give myself grace."

Every day, Jeantte learns something new. One of the challenges for her was breastfeeding, and the pain she felt in the beginning.

"I honestly thought that pain would never go away," said Ocampo. "I broke down the first day coming back home."

That's when she came to Fresno EOC's WIC program to look for support and resources, and connected with a lactation consultant.

"I attended their breastfeeding walk, and they had a lot of booths there," said Ocampo. "I see that they truly care about the women."

Ali Tackett, a dietician and a board-certified lactation consultant with Fresno EOC, explains that breastfeeding benefits both mom and baby.

"It helps reduce the risk of infections, as well as allergies," said Tackett. "For moms, it helps reduce the risk of postpartum depression, osteoporosis, as well as multiple different types of cancer."

This month, Fresno EOC's WIC program earned gold in the USDA's Breastfeeding Award of Excellence Program. It's a recognition that honors agencies with strong breastfeeding support and promotion.

In 2022, California saw an average of nearly 94 percent of moms initiating breastfeeding, but Fresno County fell just below that.

"Here in Fresno County, we're about 86%," said Tackett. "Whether or not you're living in a rural area or here in the city, WIC is here to help support our mom so we can help bridge that gap."

Since then, breastfeeding has gotten easier for Ocampo. She says she doesn't experience the pain she felt in the beginning and has bonded even more with her daughter.

"The challenges with breastfeeding definitely brought me closer to my daughter, and realizing that I'm doing it for her," said Ocampo.

Click here to learn more about the breastfeeding resources available at Fresno EOC.

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