WIC moms what would you like to see??? - Page 2

[SeekingSerenity]

Originally Posted by waiting2bemommy

... is the card thing coming my way??? I'm in VA.

You'd have to call your WIC office and ask. I'm in Texas and the EBT card has been implemented in regions, by groups of counties. It seems that the counties with fewer residents got set up with the program first and the densely populated areas are getting on board later. It's essentially the same card as the food stamp EBT but with a microchip in it that stores all the information.

[Pumpkin_Pie]

Fruits and veggies year round (instead of just the summer like we have here in Vermont)
Alternatives to peanut butter for allergic kids and mamas. (sunbutter would be tasty!)
Less emphasis on dairy
More cereal choices
Breast feeding benefits as long as the mama is still nursing
Less juice

What I do like:

We have home delivery of our foods here, and it absolutely ROCKS!
I love that we are given Cabot cheddar cheese (local, and tasty!)
All of our milk that we receive is local and rBGH free!
Our eggs are local!

[AlwaysByMySide]

Originally Posted by Pumpkin_Pie

Fruits and veggies year round (instead of just the summer like we have here in Vermont)
<snip>
What I do like:

We have home delivery of our foods here, and it absolutely ROCKS!
I love that we are given Cabot cheddar cheese (local, and tasty!)
All of our milk that we receive is local and rBGH free!
Our eggs are local!

Um, these could be good reasons for me to want to live in Vermont. I am impressed!

:

[MSUmama]

Thanks to all who responded!

A few things to note;
Fruits and Veggies are coming!!! As are less dairy and juice and a new whole grain option and jarred baby food. There's a link in another thread I posted. All of the states have 18 months to implement the new food packages but they are coming and they are GREAT!

As for pumps, the 6 week rule isn't steadfast, it varies by location. I have no problem getting pumps to moms who need them sooner. Again, I work soley in brastfeeding and not as a WIC employee, but I give out WIC pumps, so my opinion on when a mom needs a pump would clearly be different than that of a WIC employee who is just "going by the book".

As for an equal food package. As part of the new packages, if you receive formula, you will receive less food for you and baby, at least that's my understanding. New packages will include jarred baby food and full time breastfeeding moms will receive the most. The rest will be adjusted per the amount of formula you receive.

Now the support issue...each state is different. Here in Michigan, WIC has BF counselors who work for MSU Extension. I hope those of you in Michigan who stated you'd never heard from anyone live in one of the counties where the program doesn't yet exist. I say that because I'd hate to know that some mamas are falling through the cracks, though in all honesty, I know that's the case.

I'm glad to hear the "high five" calls I make are something moms want, sometimes I feel like a stalker. "Hi, just called to check on you guys, glad to hear it's going well, great job mama!" On one hand, I know I would appreciate the support, on the other, sometimes I feel like it can be a confidence killer to call a mom who is doing well to check on her every few weeks or monthly. Like I am expecting her to have problems, which couldn't be farther from the truth most of the time but I worry it comes off like that.

As for the one year thing...I couldn't agree with all of you more. I also have little hope for that changing any time soon. I have to exit moms out of my program at one year too, so not only does your food package get cut off, so does your support, technically. It's no secret to my co workers that I'd never not go see a mom who is a former client and still nursing, I just have to do it on my own time. We also have a group meeting that is open to extended bf'ing moms as well as non-WIC moms but it's just not the same as having someone on call 24/7 to come to your house

I do think we are missing a lot of moms who need support and I can't figure out how to reach them. I get a referral for every pregnant woman who signs up for WIC, supposedly. Often the phone numbers are disconnected or the person doesn't return calls and then when I finally get in touch with them, they've given up nursing because they ran into problems. Or, I meet women who've never been told about the program, are on WIC and are desperate for help.

It sounds like most of you who answered didn't really get much support and support should exist for most of you. So, how could you find out about support from WIC, aside from WIC telling you? Would mailings be a good idea? Posters at your OB's office? Any ideas?

[southernmommie]

Originally Posted by MSUmama

I'd like to hear from moms who have or currently do receive WIC while breastfeeding.

What kind of breastfeeding specific support are (did) you receiving? What kind of breastfeeding support would you like to (have) receive(d)? What are your thoughts on WIC breastfeeding classes? How/when did the WIC breastfeeding counselor contact you?

TIA!

From WIC... absolutely nothing!! I would prefer for WIC to NOT give out any advice. They are 9 times out of 10 completely mainstream and pro-formula, that it goes against the health of many of infants and mothers that I have known. I would prefer that WIC stick to just being a supplement source rather than a support group.

[prothyraia]

Originally Posted by AlwaysByMySide

Um, these could be good reasons for me to want to live in Vermont. I am impressed!

:

I believe we're getting fruits and veggies, in some form, all the time- starting fall of next year.

[katie&micah]

Originally Posted by southernmommie

From WIC... absolutely nothing!! I would prefer for WIC to NOT give out any advice. They are 9 times out of 10 completely mainstream and pro-formula, that it goes against the health of many of infants and mothers that I have known. I would prefer that WIC stick to just being a supplement source rather than a support group.

Wow. As another breastfeeding peer counselor for WIC (in Missouri) that's really hard to hear. I feel like there are so many people in my area with absolutely no knowledge of what is normal for a breastfeeding mom or baby. We have no LLL here (closest one is 2 hours away) and I can think of NOTHING nice to say about our local LC. So who would these women turn to? Who will be there to tell them that that's completely normal when everyone else they know has formula fed and is telling them that it's not?


MSUmama
Sometimes I feel the same way when making phone calls. I hope people don't think I'm expecting them to have problems or fail, I really just want to remind them that I'm available to help at any time. Sometimes once a month seems like way too often and with other women it's SO not often enough.

[momeeboys]

Originally Posted by MSUmama

So, how could you find out about support from WIC, aside from WIC telling you? Would mailings be a good idea? Posters at your OB's office? Any ideas?

Posters at the OB's office for sure. I know I wait awhile and look around a lot. At my OB's office, there is a big bathroom with posters. When you sit and pee (every visit), you can read what's on the wall. Even at ped's offices, too.

[noahs.mom06]

I'm late to see this, but I had issues with WIC when I was BF'ing DS. All they wanted to do was tell me my baby wasn't growing well enough, and that I should supplement. I told them every time that my ped was fine with his growth, but they were just completely focused on the stupid growth charts.
One time, I took the WHO charts for breastfed babies in, and showed them he was in the 15th% on that chart, as opposed to the 7th on theirs, and the lady said she had never seen those charts before.
Then, when I started to realize DS's growth issues were probably due to low supply, and asked about getting a pump to use temporarily to get my supply up and hopefully help his growth, they said they only had pumps for moms who worked outside the home.
Overall, I just did not feel that they were that supportive of BF'ing, especially for being an organization that supposedly promotes and encourages it.
Oh, and I didn't realize there was even such a thing as a WIC breastfeeding counselor... Our WIC office must not have one...

[mom2tig99Nroo03]

Originally Posted by MSUmama

I'd like to hear from moms who have or currently do receive WIC while breastfeeding.

What kind of breastfeeding specific support are (did) you receiving? What kind of breastfeeding support would you like to (have) receive(d)? What are your thoughts on WIC breastfeeding classes? How/when did the WIC breastfeeding counselor contact you?

TIA!

i've been a bf counselor, AND a mama receiving benefits - hope i can add my .02

when preg with #1
i rec'd the bf class (a video that had the singer that sang "giving you the best that i got" in it- can't remember her name right now, and a couple of dummied down generic pamplets. i actually paid for a bf class through the hospital too- wic's class gave more info. the wic counselor actually contacted me while preggo, but not through work. we sold avon together, lol. after ds was born and i was having all the problems, i contacted everyone i could think of for help, wic, lll, the hospital. all helped some but the advice didnt mesh with some.

i would have loved an in-hospital visit, and closer followup in the beginning, as well as some "high five " calls.

when pg with #2 i was teaching the classes, lol. i covered more info, including extended benefits etc. i quit one week before my dd was born. i had no calls, but i knew who to call for anyt support i needed. fwiw, the peer counselor from when i had number eventually became a llll for awhile, the llll that was originally here moved (military) and we've gone through a couple since then.

with both more equal packages would have been good. the amt of $ spent was majorly different for a bf mama/infant than a non-bf mama and infant. longer benefits as well.

i did hospital visits when possible (several X a week) and our home nurse was great about making referrals to me, plus most of the docs (the navy ones at least- the civilian ones pretty much sucked) frequently asked me to check in on theirs...

Originally Posted by amandaleigh37

Wow it seems that the differences between programs are HUGE!

My office has always been SUPER great about encouraging BFing. I didn't get on the program until my son was 4 months old, but was always encouraged and told what a great job I was doing BFing. I did have a peer counselor contact me once but I didn't need help.

Now I am a peer counselor myself - there are 2 of us. We each teach a weekly Breastfeeding class, which all pregnant moms are supposed to take. It's a 15 min. video and 15 min. of other info (and Q&A). It is our role to also contact each prenatal at the beginning of their 3rd trimester to discuss BFing plans and talk about any concerns they have. Then we are to contact them again ASAP when they deliver and as much as needed afterwards, referring them to our IBCLC (on staff) if a problem is beyond our scope.

Our office is not stingy with pumps at all either. I was told that as a PC, I can use my judgment if a mom needs a pump for work/school/supply, but if she just wants one so partner can feed baby or she can have a break, to try to talk about it & determine if there's really a need. BUT if it's a matter of having a pump so she will keep BFing, we will give her a pump!

I think our office also has really high breastfeeding rates, which doesn't surprise me because everyone on staff is really knowledgable and encourages BFing!

We also give each pregnant mom a flyer for LLL and again after she delivers. Plus I mention it in the BF class and try to invite each one personally when I talk to her on the phone.

i did similar, but i was the only one. we only had one position open. we actaually had some on staff who were pro babywise, therefore gave bad info for bf.

Originally Posted by MSUmama

Thanks to all who responded!

A few things to note;
Fruits and Veggies are coming!!! As are less dairy and juice and a new whole grain option and jarred baby food. There's a link in another thread I posted. All of the states have 18 months to implement the new food packages but they are coming and they are GREAT!

As for pumps, the 6 week rule isn't steadfast, it varies by location. I have no problem getting pumps to moms who need them sooner. Again, I work soley in brastfeeding and not as a WIC employee, but I give out WIC pumps, so my opinion on when a mom needs a pump would clearly be different than that of a WIC employee who is just "going by the book".

As for an equal food package. As part of the new packages, if you receive formula, you will receive less food for you and baby, at least that's my understanding. New packages will include jarred baby food and full time breastfeeding moms will receive the most. The rest will be adjusted per the amount of formula you receive.

Now the support issue...each state is different. Here in Michigan, WIC has BF counselors who work for MSU Extension. I hope those of you in Michigan who stated you'd never heard from anyone live in one of the counties where the program doesn't yet exist. I say that because I'd hate to know that some mamas are falling through the cracks, though in all honesty, I know that's the case.

I'm glad to hear the "high five" calls I make are something moms want, sometimes I feel like a stalker. "Hi, just called to check on you guys, glad to hear it's going well, great job mama!" On one hand, I know I would appreciate the support, on the other, sometimes I feel like it can be a confidence killer to call a mom who is doing well to check on her every few weeks or monthly. Like I am expecting her to have problems, which couldn't be farther from the truth most of the time but I worry it comes off like that.

As for the one year thing...I couldn't agree with all of you more. I also have little hope for that changing any time soon. I have to exit moms out of my program at one year too, so not only does your food package get cut off, so does your support, technically. It's no secret to my co workers that I'd never not go see a mom who is a former client and still nursing, I just have to do it on my own time. We also have a group meeting that is open to extended bf'ing moms as well as non-WIC moms but it's just not the same as having someone on call 24/7 to come to your house

I do think we are missing a lot of moms who need support and I can't figure out how to reach them. I get a referral for every pregnant woman who signs up for WIC, supposedly. Often the phone numbers are disconnected or the person doesn't return calls and then when I finally get in touch with them, they've given up nursing because they ran into problems. Or, I meet women who've never been told about the program, are on WIC and are desperate for help.

It sounds like most of you who answered didn't really get much support and support should exist for most of you. So, how could you find out about support from WIC, aside from WIC telling you? Would mailings be a good idea? Posters at your OB's office? Any ideas?

i think we only do what we're able. i know for me personally i was frequently frustrated by lack of funding for my programs.

Originally Posted by southernmommie

From WIC... absolutely nothing!! I would prefer for WIC to NOT give out any advice. They are 9 times out of 10 completely mainstream and pro-formula, that it goes against the health of many of infants and mothers that I have known. I would prefer that WIC stick to just being a supplement source rather than a support group.

some wic offices have very good programs. i'm sorry that yours wasn't.

[MrsAprilMay]

I received great support after my first babe from WIC. I may be a little biased, since I had a friend that was a breastfeeding peer. So she was like my personal support system.

The instructor for the breastfeeding class was awesome, too. She mentioned that she nursed her youngest to 18 months but really wanted to go for 2 years. It made it seem so normal.

Our area has a LC on staff, and she is amazing too. She is a LLL leader as well, and she would stand on her head and play the tuba if it would help a mama nurse her babe.

I'm glad to hear that the juice is off the infant packages. I remember many women commenting that they had to give their 6 month old nursing infant juice because they got it through WIC. :

It would be nice if nursing moms got a package that lasted for 2 years. Maybe after the first year it could be reduced somewhat because the babe would then be eligible. But giving a mom beans and tuna for 2 years is most likely still less expensive than formula for 1 year.

It would also be nice to have a 24 hour number to call for nursing assistance. Maybe an 800 number so it could be shared by multiple counties or even states. Many moms get so frustrated in the middle of the night when their 6 week old is going through a growth spurt and wants to nurse constantly. It would be nice to have an LC to call anytime for assistance/reassurance.

[MSUmama]

Originally Posted by MrsAprilMay

It would also be nice to have a 24 hour number to call for nursing assistance. Maybe an 800 number so it could be shared by multiple counties or even states. Many moms get so frustrated in the middle of the night when their 6 week old is going through a growth spurt and wants to nurse constantly. It would be nice to have an LC to call anytime for assistance/reassurance.

Here in Michigan, clients should have a pager number for their counselor. I am available by phone 24/7/365 as are most of us. If I need to go out in the middle of the night, I can and will, but most often moms just need to know they are doing fine and this, whatever "this" may be, is perfectly normal.

[3pink1blue]

MSUMama,

Here in Kent County, things are really bad. Our WIC office is terrible with no breastfeeding support at all. I guess I could sit and complain, but instead I would like to DO something about it. How would someone go about introducing breastfeeding counselors to WIC in Michigan? I would call the office but the lady is a total witch. Is there someone I would go to, higher up? I could be a breastfeeding volunteer or something, no need to pay me. I bet there are other moms who would do the same.

Plus, it would be free hours of experience for someone interested in becoming an LC. Myabe moms in other states with icky WIC experiences could do the same too. No use sitting her complaining that WIC sucks, how do I go about changing it?

[terese17]

My wic office has posters up , the ones with the ice cream that looks like boobs, but thats about it. Nothing was ever mentioned about any type of bfing support of any kind. I have weaned both of my boys at about 12 mths, but for different reasons and I would have liked to have nursed longer, so It really pissed me off when both times the second your kids hits 12 mths they give you all this weaning info. They were practically shoving it at me. If i wanted it I would have asked for it. And yes, it would be nice to have something other than tuna, but I figure I get it for free, its better than nothing. I am confused about how the wic offices have all this nutritional info about eating healthy and raw produce , fruits and veggies, and then give you only cereal, milk, beans, peanut butter, eggs, and cheese. it would be nice to be able to get fresh produce, like maybe apples or bananas at least once a month.

[MSUmama]

Originally Posted by 3pink1blue

MSUMama,

Here in Kent County, things are really bad. Our WIC office is terrible with no breastfeeding support at all. I guess I could sit and complain, but instead I would like to DO something about it. How would someone go about introducing breastfeeding counselors to WIC in Michigan? I would call the office but the lady is a total witch. Is there someone I would go to, higher up? I could be a breastfeeding volunteer or something, no need to pay me. I bet there are other moms who would do the same.

Plus, it would be free hours of experience for someone interested in becoming an LC. Myabe moms in other states with icky WIC experiences could do the same too. No use sitting her complaining that WIC sucks, how do I go about changing it?

I'm sorry your experiences have been bad Here is the link for information. There are breastfeeding counselors in Kent.

http://bfi.fcs.msue.msu.edu/

That is the main link to the program that provides services to WIC eligible moms. On the left there is a link to the counties that are involved. I clicked on my own county and the information is somewhat dated but less than two years old, as I have only had this job for two years and I am listed.

One of the pitfalls, perhaps the only one, aside from having to exit moms at 12 months even if they are still nursing, is that moms fall through the cracks. I know I don't get contact information for every mom who wants to nurse. I wish there were a better sysytem for connecting WIC clients with us. My co worker, another counselor, is housed at the WIC office and even she does not get connected with every mom. It's tough, which is why I am asking moms on here, how do I get the word out that we are here for you? The methods we are using are not 100% and I want 100%. All clients who apply get a referral sheet that they fill out and turn in with their paperwork to WIC. I then collect them from WIC. Perhaps you don't know about the support in Kent County because you didn't get that connecting piece from WIC. I don't know how they make referrals. On the other hand, maybe funding has dried up or maybe they are looking for a new counselor. Call the MSU office in Kent and ask. That's how I got my job, I was looking for support after a move.

MSU is very supportive, WIC is a federal program, it's just run so differently. We (MSUE) work under federal guidelines but the mother to mother program is really wonderful, I was a client before I was a counselor. Everytime I see a mom, I see her in her home, it's very helpful for both of us. Seeing moms in an office or a group setting does not give you insight into the true situation they may be in. Be it a big, attention loving dog to a run down house that doesn't stay warm, and everything in between, all of these things can and do have an impact on mom and baby and nursing. Being able to see where mom's needs are and meet them before they cause an issue is a huge blessing! Also, it fosters great friendships! One of my moms who has really been struggling said one of the reasons she didn't want to give up was because she wants to still be able to call me and chat, lol! I was so honored that she would even say that! This program doesn't pay much but the rewards really are priceless and the educational benefits are amazing! If this is something you really feel a strong calling towards, I highly recomend trying to get a counselor position, or volunteering. I know Bay county did a volunteer thing for a while, and that person was hired on by MSU. I think she volunteered through WIC. I haven't heard of any MSU counselors having volunteers but I have asked, as some of my former clients have expressed interest, and it is being explored. Good luck!

Feel free to PM me, I don't get on MDC too much but PM's go to my email.

[mom2tig99Nroo03]

Originally Posted by MrsAprilMay

It would also be nice to have a 24 hour number to call for nursing assistance. Maybe an 800 number so it could be shared by multiple counties or even states. Many moms get so frustrated in the middle of the night when their 6 week old is going through a growth spurt and wants to nurse constantly. It would be nice to have an LC to call anytime for assistance/reassurance.

all of my clients had my home phone number. i got calls at all times of day. one client in particular who i'll talk more about in a minute

Originally Posted by MSUmama

Also, it fosters great friendships! One of my moms who has really been struggling said one of the reasons she didn't want to give up was because she wants to still be able to call me and chat, lol! I was so honored that she would even say that!

i had one client who called me multiple times in tears- combo of ppd and just not feeling sure of herself as a mama nursing for the first time since she had not nursed her previous lo. this same mama and i ended up being great friends, in fact- she came to the hospital with me and acted as doula/support person while i birthed my roo since my hub was stuck on the ambulance waiting for his relief to come in.

[RainRaven]

[QUOTE=ElisMomma;12734543]1. Benefits for BF past a year.
2. LC available
3. Allowed to purchase Organic (cereals/PB/eggs)
4. Fruits and Veg


I also wish for these things.
My DD and DS Nursed until they were 2 1/2 no cows milk until they were 2 at all and as soon as they turned one we were getting all this whole milk. With DS they let me get cheese instead (1 gal milk for a pound of cheese) , but with DD they would not let me do this. I ended up giving all the milk away to families with kids too old to be on WIC. I hope with my current DS they will let me trade for cheese but I am not hopeful my WIC lady is kind of a B**** compared to the one I had with DS 1.

[RoadWorkAhead]

I'd like to see their office open this week while my nips are being chewed all to heck and back so I could see their LC

Also, more options for the BFing mom who has an allergic/intolerant baby. If they can cover our ridiculously expensive formula that they don't get the breaks on like they do contract formulas, it would seem prudent to cover some better options for basic food allergies like dairy and soy. For the cost of 10 cans of Elecare a month, it'd certainly be cheaper to provide soy/rice/other milk to moms!!