WIC breastfeeding celebration

[amandaleigh37]

Our local WIC had a "breastfeeding celebration" at the library this morning. I got an invitation last week. It was an open house type thing, with refreshments and gifts (a "thanks Mom for breastfeeding me!" magnet frame, and a "Be a star, save $5.50 a day breastfeeding" bank). I stayed a while and they didn't have a very good turnout (only 3 moms including me) but I thought it was neat thing to do anyway. They invited all the moms that had breastfed at all in the past year.

They also had a bulletin board at the Library about world breastfeeding week, which was great!

I don't know if this was something that every WIC does, but I thought it was neat so I wanted to share

[J2]

That is really great!

Not every WIC does that. Every program is different and each WIC's peer counselor program is different. What, if anything, they do during World Breastfeeding Week depends on the supervisors of the WIC and health department and monetary funds....and planning - if anyone is interested in putting anything together. Our WIC program was going to do some things but balls got dropped.

[NewMama2007]

I'm a social worker in a program integrated with WIC, and we're having our bfing party tomorrow - we'll have gifts, food, games, etc. Plus, you have to come if you want your coupons, so hopefully we'll have a good turnout! I get to bring dd, so I'm totally excited.

[Christi]

When I was on WIC our chapter actually had a most beautiful breastfed baby contest. The prizes were gift certificates to the local baby store and savings bonds. My BF's dd won. My son was too old to enter even though he was still nursing.

[natural_mama89]

My WIC office just put up some lovely prints of women breastfeeding in the reception area. I thought this was a good start to really promoting breastfeeding.

[Da WIC Lady]

I just finished the last of our breastfeeding celebrations this morning. I pretty much had to put the whole thing together while my supervisor sat on her thumbs. It took me over a month and a half of preparation, but we had goody bags, gift baskets that we had a drawing for, art projects for the kids, refreshments, and everyone seemed to have a good time at the three sites I had parties at. I sent out over 500 invitations and a record 16 moms and 11 kids were present over the three days unless you want to count the babies yet to be born. 7 of the moms are pregnant. I was very fortunate that I "know people" who were able to either donate items or know where to get dontated items. I only paid for a few things out of my own pocket. Monday, the moms were so involved in sharing stories and chatting, that we only got to the refreshments, goody bags and drawing for the basket. Tuesday only one mom showed up to that clinic, but she was a repeat customer for my monthly class and we talked about her pregnancy and her other two children who never knew a drop of formula and the differences in her life in the 10 years since her last child was weaned. Then today, I mostly did a breastfeeding basics class and screened a video called Fathers Supporting Breastfeeding, gave away goody bags and drew for the basket. I brought my daughter to the party today and it was a good oportunity to show how to use a sling with an older child since there was one in the gift basket.

DH just clarified a misunderstanding about dinner, so I have to cut this short... Gah! In any case, this month was a rip roaring success! Now I can breathe!

Anna

[earthmommy2]

Sounds so fun, wish I could have been there for that!!

[Da WIC Lady]

Originally Posted by earthmommy2

Sounds so fun, wish I could have been there for that!!

If you are on WIC anywhere in VA, you're welcome to come to next month's meeting. The topic is "Returning to Work or School". Just drop me a line if you're interested.

Anna