WIC - Women, Infants & Children

January - February 2025

WIC Reminders:

Don't forget to use your benefits! Utilizing your WIC benefits helps our program receive appropriate funding to continue to serve our community.

Lactation Destination Club: Each month, our peer counselor holds a breastfeeding support group for pregnant and postpartum families to learn about different breastfeeding topics. Please call the office if you're interested in attending. More information is listed above.

Send in your WIC Medical Referral Forms. Please email or fax in yours or your child's WIC Medical Referral Form so we have the most up-to-date blood work and height and weight measurements.

February is Heart Month

February is American Heart Month, a time to focus on your heart health.  Check out some tips below to reduce your risk of heart disease and improve your heart health:

• Add more fruits and vegetables in your diet.
  • Aim for 2 cups of fruit and 2.5 cups vegetables everyday
• Choose whole grains
  • Whole grains contain fiber which help lower cholesterol
  • Look for packaged products that have 5 grams of fiber or more per serving
  • Examples of whole grains include oats, quinoa, brown rice, whole wheat bread or pasta
• Limit sodium (salt) intake
  • Consuming foods with a lot of added sodium can lead to high blood pressure
  • Sodium is common in packaged foods like sauces, spice blends, soups, and condiments

Be Physically Active:

• Physical activity can help keep you at a healthy weight and lower your blood pressure
• It is recommended that adults get at least 2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each week

Don’t Smoke

• Smoking increases your blood pressure which puts you at higher risk for heart disease and stroke
• It is never too late to quit smoking!
• Click here for more information or call 1-800-QUIT-NOW

Learn more from the CDC about heart health

Breastfeeding Corner:

You don't need any fancy equipment, but some things can make breastfeeding easier.

• Nursing Bra
  • Nursing bras are designed just for breastfeeding moms. They're built with flaps over each breast, so that you can open them separately.
• Nursing Pads
  • Nursing pads go inside your bra & soak up leaking milk that can show through your clothes.
  • Opt for Washable or disposable pads without plastic or waterproof liners; these let in more air.
• Pillows
  • Pillows can help make breastfeeding more comfortable and relaxing. You can use pillows under your arms, elbows, neck, or back to give you added comfort & support.
• Nursing Cover
  • If you're worried about breastfeeding in front of others or in public, consider throwing a light blanket over your shoulder or using a nursing cover.
  • Wearing loose-fitting tops that pull up from the bottom or unbuttoning your shirt from the bottom can be helpful.
  • You can also try wearing a tank top under your shirt so that when you lift your shirt to feed your baby, your stomach is still covered.
• Breast Pump
  • A breast pump can be a great resource for breastfeeding moms. It can give you some flexibility with feedings.
  • It's also important to have a pump if you plan to continue breastfeeding after you go back to work or school.
  • Sometimes, breast pumps are available through your health insurance company or your State Medicaid program. Some WIC programs may offer breast pumps to WIC moms based on need.
• Bottles
  • When you can't be there for a feeding, a bottle will help your partner, family member, or child care provider feed your baby.
  • You may want to try different shapes or sizes to see what works best for your baby.
  • If you want to avoid bottles, ask your local WIC office about other methods to feed, like a cup.

Learn more about breastfeeding supplies from the USDA

Have breastfeeding questions? Call the WIC office at 518-432-4033 or peer counselor Jackie at 518-649-3885