BASIC NEEDS
I’m struggling to feed my baby.
Whether you are struggling to breastfeed or you can’t afford to pay for formula, there are options available to you. Please reach out to one of these programs to learn about your options for feeding your baby. We also encourage you to check out our resources for breastfeeding support if you need assistance and support breastfeeding and/or breastpumping.
WIC (Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children)
https://www.fns.usda.gov/wic/women-infants-and-children
How to apply: https://www.fns.usda.gov/wic/wic-how-apply
Call your WIC state agency: https://www.fns.usda.gov/wic/toll-free-numbers-wic-state-agencies
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) provides federal grants to states for supplemental foods, health care referrals, and nutrition education for low-income pregnant, breastfeeding, and non-breastfeeding postpartum women, and to infants and children up to age five who are found to be at nutritional risk.
Human Milk Banking Association of North America
Contact: https://www.hmbana.org/about-us/contact.html
Phone: (817) 810-9984
The Human Milk Banking Association of North America (HMBANA) believes in a world where all infants have access to human milk through support of breastfeeding and use of pasteurized donor human milk. Founded in 1985, HMBANA mobilizes the healing power of donor milk by accrediting nonprofit milk banks in the US and Canada, and setting international guidelines for pasteurized donor human milk. Our 29 members help mothers donate their extra breast milk for use by fragile infants as medicine. Our efforts ensure that the process is evidence-based and clinically sound. Together, we advocate for donor milk as a universal standard of care, regardless of ability to pay.
Find a Milk Bank: https://www.hmbana.org/find-a-milk-bank/overview.html
OptionLine
Phone: (800) 712-HELP (4357)
Text: 313131
Facilitated by: Heartbeat International
OptionLine provides free and confidential counseling as well as accurate information about pregnancy and pregnancy options. There are over 3,000 pregnancy resource centers across the country. Find a pregnancy resource center near you by entering your zipcode at www.optionline.org. Please note: These centers do not refer women to abortion providers. However, they often provide all free, confidential services, such as pregnancy testing, STI testing, counseling, support groups, parenting classes, material aid (e.g. diapers, formula, baby supplies), job assistance, community referrals (for housing, adoption, legal aid, etc.), and more.
Real Alternatives
http://www.realalternatives.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RealAlternatives/
Phone: (888) LIFE-AID (1-888-543-3242)
Real Alternatives uses a network of 125+ pregnancy support centers, Catholic Charities, and maternity homes to provide free pregnancy support and parenting education services to women and families in Indiana, Michigan, and Pennsylvania. Real Alternatives has over 500 caring and compassionate trained counselors providing support to women facing an unexpected pregnancy. Each site provides confidential and free pregnancy testing. On the Real Alternatives website, women can access services nearest to them by plugging in their zip code.
Find a local counselor or pregnancy support center: http://www.realalternatives.org/pregnant/counselorservices.asp