WIC lactivism

[bbrandonsmom]

Thumbs up to our local Wic office. Unfortunately they must not have on record that we lost our baby. But, today a woman called and asked me if I wanted to sign up for a breastfeeding class. After I explained what happened, she said she was sorry. But I told her it was awesome she was reaching out to new moms, and she said she was trying, and sounded very genuine about it. Not something that she was just suposed to be doing.

[Claire and Boys]

That's great that they're doing that. But I couldn't read and not say that I'm so sorry for your loss

[guitarmama]

It was probably your bfing peer counselor who called. I'm a WIC BFPC. Some offices are better than others for promoting bfing So glad you're at a good one. At my office, the BFPC's, since they work part time usually, don't have access to all the info as the dietitians. I often make the same sad calls to moms who've lost their babes. It's always heartbreaking to hear. Sorry about your loss.

[curious&eager]

I've never heard of a breastfeeding peer counselor. I'm on WIC. I said I had a question about pumping on my sheet and I've talked to nobody about it. They just asked me a bunch of questions at the initial meeting to see if I qualify. Then they gave me vouchers and sent me on my way. I'm just starting though, so maybe later? I've been on wic for 2.5 months.

[guitarmama]

Yep, there are good offices and bad ones. Your state should have a WIC bfing coordinator for the entire state. See if you can find out who that is and write her a letter (assuming it's a woman) telling her that you wish you were more supported in bfing by your office. The new WIC voucher program that just went into effect is VERY bfing friendly, so they need to be supporting bfing moms so they can get the biggest possible food package. ffing moms don't get nearly as much food as those on a fully bfing package.

[earthmommy2]

I am sorry for your loss mama. Many hugs and much love your way!! I know when I worked for wic as a breastfeeding consultant we would sometimes see that notes were made to notify us of a loss. Sadly it sounds like someone didn't make the notation. Often when I saw the news I would call the mom to send some love and let her know that they do still get some WIC benefits...many people don't know that. s

[bbrandonsmom]

Thanks everyone. We went today for a recert and the front desk woman remembered me! She actually printed up checks for me as a bf mom, since I was still on record.

Curiouse-you might want to call them to see if they have someone who could help you, or check into a local LLL group? Or even the hospital should have a lactation dept to help you out as well. Of course you can post your pump ?'s in the bf section here too for some help