Communities Transforming Maternal & Child Health
Home visitors bridge the gap by providing the necessary breastfeeding education and support to under – resourced parents in both the prenatal and postpartum periods.
Breastfeeding rates have risen more rapidly among the WIC population than they have in the general population.
WIC participants receiving breastfeeding education from WIC are more likely to breastfeed than other WIC participants or eligible nonparticipants.
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Most providers and hospital staff are not aware of the extent of WIC benefits for breastfeeding women and their families.
The health benefits of breastfeeding for mother and baby are clear. Breastfeeding is no longer a lifestyle choice, but a public health decision.
Breastfeeding protects against SIDS and SUIDS.
Breastfeeding decreases the mother’s risk of breast and ovarian cancers.
Breastfeeding decreases the infant’s risk of diabetes and heart disease.
Normalize breastfeeding by encouraging and facilitating breastfeeding in all areas, such as the waiting room and WIC clini crooms.
Train your WIC team to affirm the importance of breastfeeding. Have them ask mothers, “ What have you heard about breastfeeding?” to get the conversation started.
Reach out to a local provider or hospital leader today. Set up a meeting or a tour to update them on the services you offer.
A high impact behavior is an action that is EFFECTIVE and EFFICIENT. As a WIC agency lead, you have the ability to accomplish it. It is an action that you can do today. Let’s get started!
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