What Do I Get at WIC?

Food Benefits for WIC Foods

WIC foods are specifically selected for their high nutritional value as well as for their relatively low cost. Participants will receive a combination of these foods depending on their category (pregnant, breastfeeding, postpartum, child, infant).

What's included in the Food Benefits Package?
High fiber foods:

• Fresh and frozen fruits, and vegetables
• Whole grain bread, oatmeal, brown rice, corn and whole wheat tortillas

Protein rich foods:  

• Milk (low-fat milk for women and children age 2 and over)
• Eggs
• Cheese
• Beans
• Peanut butter
• Tuna or salmon (for exclusively breastfeeding mothers)
• Infant foods, including: infant formula, fruits, vegetables, infant meats (exclusively breastfed infants)

Other foods provided:

• Cereal
• Juice
• Tofu and soy milk as an option instead of milk

Summary of Food Benefits Package

Nutrition Education

Staff nutritionists guide participants through the importance of good nutrition to the development of a healthy family. This includes individual nutrition counseling, nutrition education, as well as instruction in food preparation. All WIC participants are eligible to receive nutrition education.  If you are working and are unable to attend a class at your WIC clinic, you can take WIC classes online.  It only takes a few minutes to take the class. Once you completed the online class, print your confirmation and present at your WIC clinic.

WIC Program Breastfeeding Support and Resources

Congratulations.  It is an exciting time when a baby depends on you, your family and the community for “loving support.” Whether you are pregnant or already delivered your baby, WIC is here to help you.
The WIC Program offers:

• Individual support from peer counselors
• Breastfeeding  and nutrition education classes
• Nursing bras and nursing pads on a limited basis
• Manual breast pumps
• Portable electric breast pumps for women who have a special need or are returning to work or school full-time and are exclusively providing breast milk to their infant.  An assessment will determine which pump will be given or loaned. 
• Hospital grade electric pumps are loaned out to mothers of  infants who are born premature, medically challenged or have a special need.  An assessment is made to ensure the needs of the infant are being met.

Why should you breastfeed? 
There are many benefits for both mother and infant.
Mother: Helps you lose weight. Breast milk is always at the right temperature. Helps your uterus shrink quicker. Makes night feedings easier. Increases self- confidence.    Saves time and money. Makes comforting a sick baby easier.             

Infant: Immunizes baby against disease. Helps brain development. Protects your baby from allergies. Promotes physical development. Reduces chance of obesity
Comfort and security. It is natural and easier to digest.

How can a Peer Counselor help me with breastfeeding?

• A peer counselor is someone who has been a WIC participant and learned from someone at WIC of the importance of breastfeeding.  She learned and experienced the joy and benefits of breastfeeding. 
• She is committed to supporting you during your breastfeeding experience, and studies have proven that mother to mother support helps increase breastfeeding duration.
• They have been trained to help you meet your needs so you can meet your baby’s needs.
• Your peer counselor is a community advocate for mothers who want to give their babies the best while working or going to school.
• She understands your situation of being a WIC participant and wants you to know that you can depend on WIC as a breastfeeding resource.

Here is a list of resources to help you during your breastfeeding experience:
www.breastmilkcounts.com
www.dshs.state.tx.us/wichd - Department of State Health Services
www.sabctx.org – San Antonio Breastfeeding coalition
www.lalecheleague.org or call 1-800-525-3243
www.womenshealth.gov
www.cdc.gov
www.usda.gov

Local Facilities:
The Lactation Center, Methodist Hospital (210) 575-0261
La Leche League of San Antonio  210/341-9669
**Many hospitals have Lactation services for those who deliver at their facility.

Lactation Support Hotlines
Texas Lactation Support Hotline – 1-800-514-6667
La Leche League International – 1-800-525-3243
The National Women’s Health Information Center Breastfeeding Help Line- 1-800-994-9662
City of San Antonio WIC Program Warm Line – 210/444-3916