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Stick with WIC Until Age 5 – Gigiwaabamin!

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October 6, 2021 General /Family

As each family leaves our WIC office, we say giigiwabamin! In the Ojibwe language of tribes in Northern Wisconsin, that means see you soon or see you later. For all of our WIC families, we really do want to see you again.

Often as the kids get older, families don’t return to receive WIC benefits. Some families think that after their babies have started to drink whole milk, they don’t need WIC anymore. Other families think if they pass up WIC benefits, another family who needs the help more could get them. (Don’t worry — there are enough WIC benefits for everyone who needs them.) The WIC Program serves children up to age 5, providing healthy foods as well as offering nutrition tips, recipes and connections to other programs.

Most families find that staying in the WIC Program until their kids turn 5 is a big help. Here is what some of our families have to say about WIC:

Allie’s mom Ashley loves coming to WIC, especially in the summer. “I come into WIC the first day I can to get the Farmers Market checks. I love to get strawberries with my checks. This year I took my girl with me to pick berries at the farm.” In many states, Farmer’s Market benefits are an added WIC bonus that families use during the summer months. It’s a great way to get your kids interested in fruits and vegetables when they can go to the market or the farms to pick their own food.

Another bonus of staying on WIC is the “know-how”of other moms who have “been there.” Talking with other moms who have had the same challenges can help a lot. Dori has 3 children and likes interacting with staff and other families. “Sometimes I talk to the other moms or grandmas and they tell me what they did when their kid wouldn’t give up a bottle or how they started potty training.” WIC offers nutrition education in many different ways, including groups where parents can share their experiences to help others. (Some states even offer online classes for those who have a hard time coming to the WIC office.)

Jamie is the mother of 3 girls who was on WIC during her pregnancies and while breastfeeding her babies. Jamie is still on WIC now with a 1 year old and 3 year old. She likes WIC because “We like to get the foods and when we come in we can see the dentist and the nurse.” Many WIC Programs try to offer other services at the same time as WIC. We know families are very busy!

Kelly and Brian have two little girls who participate in the WIC Program. “When our youngest was born, she had some health problems. She was on formula longer because she had surgery. WIC helped us get that. Now, she is using soy milk and we can get that through WIC.” WIC can help babies and children with special health care needs in many ways. WIC Programs offer soy milk for children who have an allergy or intolerance to regular milk. Soy milk can be more expensive than regular milk so having WIC benefits can help a family stretch their food dollars.

WIC is about more than just the healthy food! Having your child on WIC until they turn 5 can help you learn about healthy eating as they grow and keep them healthy in other ways. Talk to your WIC office if you are wondering how WIC can help your family as your kids get older.

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SIDE-LYING HOLD

Side-Lying Hold

  1. For the right breast, lie on your right side with your baby facing you.
  2. Pull your baby close. Your baby’s mouth should be level with your nipple.
  3. In this position, you can cradle your baby’s back with your left arm and support yourself with your right arm and/or pillows.
  4. Keep loose clothing and bedding away from your baby.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

  • You had a C-section
  • You want to rest while baby feeds
  • You are breastfeeding in the middle of the night
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position
CROSS-CRADLE HOLD

Cross-Cradle Hold

  1. For the right breast, use your left arm to hold your baby’s head at your right breast and baby’s body toward your left side. A pillow across your lap can help support your left arm.
  2. Gently place your left hand behind your baby’s ears and neck, with your thumb and index finger behind each ear and your palm between baby’s shoulder blades. Turn your baby’s body toward yours so your tummies are touching.
  3. Hold your breast as if you are squeezing a sandwich. To protect your back, avoid leaning down to your baby. Instead, bring your baby to you.
  4. As your baby’s mouth opens, push gently with your left palm on baby’s head to help them latch on. Make sure you keep your fingers out of the way.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

  • Your baby is premature
  • Your baby has a weak suck
  • Your baby needs help to stay latched
  • Your baby needs extra head support
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position
CLUTCH OR “FOOTBALL” HOLD

Clutch or “Football” Hold

  1. For the right breast, hold your baby level, facing up, at your right side.
  2. Put your baby’s head near your right nipple and support their back and legs under your right arm.
  3. Hold the base of your baby’s head with your right palm. A pillow underneath your right arm can help support your baby’s weight.
  4. To protect your back, avoid leaning down to your baby. Bring baby to you instead.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

  • You had a C-section
  • You have large breasts
  • You have flat or inverted nipples
  • You have a strong milk let-down
  • You are breastfeeding twins
  • Your baby likes to feed in an upright position
  • Your baby has reflux
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position
CRADLE HOLD

Cradle Hold

  1. For the right breast, cradle your baby with your right arm. Your baby will be on their left side across your lap, facing you at nipple level.
  2. Your baby’s head will rest on your right forearm with your baby’s back along your inner arm and palm.
  3. Turn your baby’s tummy toward your tummy. Your left hand is free to support your breast, if needed. Pillows can help support your arm and elbow.
  4. To protect your back, avoid leaning down to your baby. Instead, bring your baby to you.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

  • Your baby needs help latching on
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position
Laid-Back Hold

Laid-Back Hold

  1. Lean back on a pillow with your baby’s tummy touching yours and their head at breast level. Some moms find that sitting up nearly straight works well. Others prefer to lean back and lie almost flat.
  2. You can place your baby’s cheek near your breast, or you may want to use one hand to hold your breast near your baby. It’s up to you and what you think feels best.
  3. Your baby will naturally find your nipple, latch, and begin to suckle.

This hold is useful when:

  • Your baby is placed on your chest right after birth
  • You have a strong milk let-down
  • You have large breasts
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position