August is Nationwide Breastfeeding Month, and WIC is celebrating by sharing its assets to assist all Texas mothers and pregnant ladies in assembly their breastfeeding targets, whether or not or not they qualify for federal advantages.
WIC — additionally recognized by its full moniker: Particular Supplemental Vitamin Program for Ladies, Infants, and Kids — affords advantages corresponding to diet counseling, lessons and assist teams to new and pregnant mothers, single dads, foster dad and mom, guardians and grandparents of youngsters youthful than 5.
Breastfeeding is usually a very difficult a part of motherhood. New dad and mom usually really feel pressured to nurse their newborns given the advantages of breastmilk — its antibodies that assist defend infants from sickness and allergic reactions, for instance — however sustaining could be troublesome, particularly for working moms and ladies of shade.
“Many households don’t breastfeed for so long as they intend to, and breastfeeding disparities by race and ethnicity persist,” an August 1 report from the U.S. Census Bureau notes. “The regular decline in any and unique breastfeeding from month-to-month signifies that breastfeeding households may have stronger techniques of assist to achieve their breastfeeding targets.”
To that finish, WIC affords a free 24/7 lactation assist hotline, breastfeeding peer counselors, lactation consultants, and free diet and breastfeeding lessons to all Texas mothers — no matter whether or not they qualify for federal help. Texas WIC additionally gives ladies who qualify with a free breast pump and pumping provides.
The federal program has additionally up to date its earnings pointers, permitting extra households to take part, officers stated.
“Eligibility for the WIC program relies on your earnings and the variety of folks in your family,” stated Amanda Hovis, Director of Vitamin Schooling & Medical Companies, Texas WIC. “For instance, a household of 4 could make as much as 55,500 and qualify for the WIC program.”
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