Breastfeeding Support

Breastfeeding Support

A Healthy Start for a Bright Future

Breastfeeding supports your baby’s health by providing ideal nutrition, strengthening immunity, and fostering a strong bond between parent and child. It also benefits mothers by reducing the risk of postpartum depression and promoting overall well-being.

Better Beginnings Breastfeeding Program

Offered through WIC at the Pitt County Health Department, the Better Beginnings Breastfeeding Program provides education, resources, and personalized support to help mothers and infants thrive. From pregnancy through your baby’s first year, trained peer counselors are here to guide and encourage you every step of the way.

Free breastfeeding classes are held at the Health Department, located at 201 Government Circle in Greenville. Classes are typically offered on the first Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m.

Program Services Include:

  • Breastfeeding education and hands-on assistance
  • Support from trained peer counselors
  • Breast pump loan program for eligible participants (manual, electric, or hospital-grade pumps available)

Benefits of Breastfeeding

For Baby:

  • Provides complete nutrition for the first six months of life
  • Reduces the risk of ear infections, asthma, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
  • Strengthens the immune system with protective antibodies
  • Supports healthy growth and brain development

For Mother:

  • Helps the uterus return to pre-pregnancy size
  • Supports healthy weight after childbirth
  • Reduces the risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and type 2 diabetes

Additional Support Programs

  • Baby Love Program: Regional breastfeeding and maternal health support serving Pitt and surrounding counties
  • NC WIC Peer Counselor Services: One-on-one counseling, breast pump loans, helpline access, and group support
  • Healthy Beginnings Program: Monthly support groups on breastfeeding, safe sleep, and infant care

Know Your Rights

  • North Carolina law protects your right to breastfeed your child in any public or private location where you are authorized to be.
  • Federal law provides reasonable break time and a private space (other than a bathroom) for employees to pump breast milk at work.

Who Is Eligible?

Pregnant and breastfeeding individuals enrolled in WIC are eligible. Peer counselors provide support during clinic visits, by phone, and in group sessions. Language assistance is available for non-English-speaking participants.

To learn more or check your eligibility call 252-902-2381

View North Carolina Breastfeeding Resources Now