The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (also known as WIC) provides nutritious foods, including low-fat or fat-free milk, whole grains, vegetables and fruits, breastfeeding support, or formula, to low-income pregnant or breastfeeding women, infants, and children up to age five.
WIC benefits include: Healthy foods, Breastfeeding promotion and support, Nutrition services, Immunization screening, and referrals.
The WIC program at UHP also offers mothers additional support on breastfeeding and health and wellness through two programs:
The Breastfeeding Program discusses everything you need to know about breastfeeding. Its goal is to promote, educate, and encourage lactation and create an environment for women to ask questions and share experiences. The monthly support group conducts outreach into the community and is open to anyone. Mothers lead the discussion group, with assistance from a facilitator, and participants are encouraged to invite friends, coworkers, and anyone who wants to learn about breastfeeding.
- Breastfeeding Club – Join our monthly meetings.
- Peer Counseling Program – Connect with other breastfeeding moms here to help.
- Breast Pump Program – Are you returning to work, school, or caring for a premature baby? If you qualify, we can help you get the right breast pump.
Healthy Lifestyles shows participants how to incorporate health and wellness into daily life and how to pursue a healthy lifestyle for themselves and their families. This interactive program teaches everything from preparing healthy meals and choosing healthy foods to the importance of physical activity and daily exercise.
- Food demonstrations
- Learn new recipes
- New exercise tips
For more information about the Women, Infant and Children Program, visit www.fns.usda.gov/wic
Additional resources: www.breastfeedingpartners.org www.breastfeeding.com www.breastfeedingbasics.com
