WIC is a food supplement and nutrition education program for pregnant and postpartum women, infants, and children to age 5. To understand how WIC could benefit you and your family let’s follow an imaginary family on their WIC journey.
Amy calls the WIC office after hearing about WIC from a friend and from her doctor. She is expecting her 2nd child and she and the father of the baby are both working to make ends meet. After doing a brief income screening over the phone it is determined that both Amy and her child, 2-year-old Brad will be eligible for WIC.
They live in Wanamingo and an appointment is set up for them to come into the WIC clinic in Zumbrota. On the day of the appointment, they meet one of the WIC nurses who will weigh and measure both Amy and Brad. Amy’s weight gain is okay and Brad’s growth looks good on the growth chart. A simple blood test will be done to check their iron levels since iron is so important for brain development. Amy’s iron level is low and the nurse discusses the importance of taking the prenatal vitamin that her doctor has prescribed. They also talk about iron-rich foods that can help – foods that WIC can provide like beans, iron-fortified cereal, and broccoli.
The nurse will also do a brief health assessment during which Amy has several questions/concerns about the pregnancy — when will the morning sickness get better? How can she decrease her smoking? They discuss ways to cope with the nausea and look at resources that can help to change smoking behavior. During the nutrition assessment, it is determined that Amy doesn’t really care for milk, likes fruits and vegetables but doesn’t always have them available due to the cost. They discuss ways to increase her calcium intake by using the milk, cheese, and yogurt that WIC provides. Amy will also be able to purchase more fruits and vegetables with her WIC voucher.
In talking about infant feeding, Amy states that she wants to try breastfeeding this time. The WIC nurse provides breastfeeding information and refers her to a breastfeeding peer that can answer questions and provide mother-to-mother support. Amy is also referred to a Maternal Child Health nurse from Public Health who will visit Amy at home to provide information regarding pregnancy, infant feeding, health and safety, childcare, and parenting. She may also be able to help Amy obtain a car seat for the baby.
Brad’s health and nutrition will also be assessed by the WIC nurse. He seems to be eating well but it is frustrating for Amy when Brad won’t try new foods or doesn’t want to eat at mealtime. The WIC nurse explains that these are common concerns during childhood and explores ways for mom to offer a variety of foods and how to handle mealtime stress. During the health assessment, Amy states that Brad hasn’t been to the doctor for his 2-year checkup and thinks he is behind with his immunizations. Another public health nurse checks his immunization record and is able to provide immunizations that will get him up-to-date. Amy is also encouraged to make an appointment for Brad to see his physician for a 2-year well-child exam. Amy is concerned that Brad is not talking and the WIC nurse makes a referral to the school for a screening. As a result of this screening, Brad qualifies for services with a speech therapist.
Amy also mentions that her insurance may be ending as she may be losing her job in the near future. The WIC nurse refers her to the County to apply for one of the State insurances. Applications can be obtained/completed in the same building as the main WIC office in Red Wing.
At the end of the visit, Amy is given vouchers to take to the grocery store that can be used to purchase specific nutritious foods for Amy and Brad including milk, cheese, yogurt, cereal, juice, peanut butter, dried/canned beans, vegetables and fruits and whole grains. After the baby is born, Amy will remain eligible for WIC benefits for up to a year while breastfeeding, and the baby will also be able to receive WIC for infant nutrition needs.
But Amy isn’t going grocery shopping today — she and her family are headed to the MN Zoo where they can get in for the price of parking with their WIC ID!
To get information or to see if you qualify for WIC, please call the WIC Office in Red Wing at 651-385-6120.
