BREASTFEEDING
The feeding of human milk to young children and the practice of
breastfeeding has been shown to improve the health, immune system, and the
development of children. The benefits of breastfeeding, both for children
and for women, last long after breastfeeding has ended.
The West Virginia Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women,
Infants and Children (WIC) is dedicated to informing families about the
importance of breastfeeding - both as the optimal source of nutrition and
for a child's improved growth and development. WIC provides breastfeeding
promotion and encouragement for pregnant women who are considering how
best to care for their babies. WIC also provides on-going breastfeeding
information and support for new mothers after baby has arrived.
Because children are healthier when they are fed breast
milk exclusively
for the first four-six months, WIC encourages exclusive breastfeeding for
that time period. The WIC Program provides for an increased food package
to breastfeeding women who use no commercial formulas from WIC.
Trained WIC nutritionists and breastfeeding peer counselors are
available at all local WIC clinics to help mothers, and entire families,
learn how to have a satisfying and healthy breastfeeding experience.
The WIC Program has board-certified lactation consultants on staff to
act as breastfeeding information resources in their communities.
WIC is dedicated to building support for the practice of breastfeeding
among entire communities - health care providers, employers, neighbors,
churches. WIC publishes Breastfeeding Update, a newsletter for health
care professionals with clinically useful breastfeeding information.
Social marketing research for the WIC Program has shown that support from
those in their communities gives women the confidence and pride to begin
and continue to breastfeed their children.
For breastfeeding information and additional resources, contact the
Breastfeeding Education Coordinator, Office of Nutrition Services,
304-558-0030.
