‘THE GOLD STANDARD’ of support Duluth WIC program receives u SDa award for breastfeeding education

STO ry an D PHOTOS

by Ma D e L e I ne S ur G e S

Duluth recently landed on the map for breastfeeding education.

The United States Agricultural Department issued the Duluth WIC office the “Loving Support Award for Excellence,” an honor given to sites that display exemplary standards for breastfeeding education.

There are three other WIC offices in St. Louis County: Virginia, Hibbing and Ely. Beth Hanni, a St. Louis County Public Nurse, has worked for Duluth WIC branch for 15 years and spoke highly of their educational classes and how WIC operates.

“The WIC program views breastfeeding as the golden standard for nutrition because the health benefits are outstanding,” she said. The Women, Infants and Children program has been striving to provide nutritional and educational information for mother and baby for more than 40 years. The nationwide program is a distributor of food vouchers for qualifying families, and it’s designed for low- and moderateincome pregnant or postpartum women with children who may be at a nutritional deficiency risk. (New fathers may apply for formula through this program).

While most hospitals provide basic lactation techniques, challenges may arise after new moms return to their daily lives. “WIC teaches moms about what breastfeeding does for both mother and baby, and what feeding cues and growth spurts look like,” Hanni said. “Moms may be unsure if they are feeding too often, or not producing enough milk, and that’s why education is important.”

WIC provides a supply of formula for mothers who choose not to breastfeed. And if a woman does breastfeed, WIC will give extra food vouchers for the nursing mother.

Breastfeeding mothers may remain on WIC if they continue to nurse for the first year.

Additionally, new breastfeeding moms are able to acquire a hand pump and will be taught what pumping looks like at home and at work (if applicable).

In order to receive benefits, mothers and babies are regularly assessed. Mothers must also attend classes periodically.

There is a breastfeeding support group which provides snacks and weight checks for the babies and allows mothers to encourage one another and socialize.

“It’s not uncommon for firsttime moms to be scared or unsure of breastfeeding,” Hanni said. WIC provides an assortment of resources, as well as the ability to transfer moms and babies to see different specialists within the area.

WIC also provides a list of essential foods for infants and talks about what will be provided on the voucher. This handout also reviews the vital nutrients children need, and how they help the infant grow.

For more information, contact WIC at (800) 657-3942. — MDT