Student Social Media Post Contest

Meet your new breastfeeding BFF! WIC offers breastfeeding peer counselors - moms who've breastfed and are here to support YOU!

Peer counselors provide:

• Breastfeeding tips & tricks
• Encouragement & problem-solving
• Resources for a confident breastfeeding journey

Find a WIC clinic near you and ask about breastfeeding peer counseling! #okwic

Introducing solid foods to your baby can be a mix of excitement and challenges. Below are some tips to help make it easier:

1. One at a time: Introduce a new food and wait a few days before adding another to look for any allergic reactions.
2. Small amounts: Start with small spoonfuls and gradually increase the amount as your baby gets used to eating solid foods.
3. Consistency: Begin with thin, smooth purees and gradually move to thicker textures and small, soft pieces as your baby develops their chewing skills.
4. Patience: Some babies take longer to accept new foods, do not be discouraged if they initially reject it. 

“A colorful plate has the benefit of being full of essential vitamins and nutrients and is just good to look at! Colors of certain food items can tell you about their nutrient makeup, such that the orange color of carrots means that it is high in a vitamin that can strengthen vision. Similarly, grains, such as whole wheat options, are higher in fiber, a nutrient used to support dietary health. These are just a few examples of how having a colorful plate can improve your overall health.

Not only are the foods that make a meal colorful beneficial for your overall health, but it makes eating an enjoyable experience by including different textures and flavors to make eating an adventure!

Visit a local WIC clinic for more information on making a colorful plate and look out for the WIC tags in your local grocery store for WIC-eligible items! #okwic”

Paced feeding helps your baby eat comfortably from a bottle and may prevent overfeeding. The basics are:

• Hold your baby upright looking at your face.
• Hold the bottle so that the milk is flat or level, and the nipple is half full. 
• Allow your baby to guide the nipple into their mouth and suck.
• Take short breaks every ~3-5 sucks by tipping the bottle down while the nipple is still in their mouth. As your baby gets more experienced, give them the chance to take breaks on their own time.

Unless medically necessary, let your baby decide when they are finished eating – even if the bottle isn’t empty. Full babies stop sucking, turn away from the bottle, or close their eyes.

Ask your WIC office about paced feeding to learn more!

Did you know that breastfeeding is the best source of nutrition for your baby? Here at WIC, we support breastfeeding moms! Breastfeeding helps your baby develop a stronger immune system to fight off illness, reduce risk of ear infections, diarrhea, allergies, and allows for healthy weight gain and brain development. 

Breastfeeding also helps reduce risk of postpartum depression and helps create a special bond with your baby!

WIC offers breastfeeding support:

• Peer counselors who have breastfed themselves!
• Breastfeeding supplies like pumps and nursing pads
• Information and support groups

Beat the Oklahoma heat and stay refreshed with our top tips for hydration this summer! Staying hydrated is essential for you and your little ones, especially during these hot months. Here are some simple tips to keep your family hydrated:

• Carry a Reusable Water Bottle
• Hydrate with Every Meal!
• Enjoy Water-Rich Foods: watermelon, cucumbers, and oranges.

How much water?

6-12 months: 4-8 ounces per day
1-2 years old: 1-4 cups per day
2-5 years old: 1-5 cups per day

#StayHydrated #okwic 

Intuitive eating is being familiar with your hunger cues and knowing when you’re full. Encouraging your child to follow their hunger cues is an important part of ensuring they do not lose their ability to intuitively eat.

How do you encourage this? When your child says they are hungry, let them have a snack. If they say they’re full and don’t finish their plate, don’t hassle them to have a “happy” plate. When our children are babies, we breast or bottle feed them anytime they’re hungry. Even though they are eating table foods now, this is not any different.

Allowing your child to intuitively eat lets them trust their body and know the signs of being hungry/full. Without encouraging this, our children will lose this ability - just like most of us have in adulthood.

Questions? Contact your local WIC Nutritionist.

Babies communicate in many ways, and it’s important to differentiate between hunger and other needs. Hunger cues include rooting, sucking on hands, and opening the mouth. If your baby is tired, they may rub their eyes, yawn, or become fussy. Understanding these signals helps in responsive feeding. Have questions about breastfeeding? Contact your local WIC clinic and ask to speak to the designated breastfeeding expert. #okwic

Breast milk is crucial for your baby's growth and development as it adapts to your baby's changing needs. It is rich in vitamins, minerals, nutrients, and other components that support your baby's health and strength. Ensuring proper nutrition is crucial for the growth and well-being of your child. WIC programs offer access to healthy foods, personalized nutrition education, and health screenings. If you want to learn more about breastfeeding, contact your WIC clinic today! #okwic

Breastfeeding is a beautiful journey of love, nourishment, and bonding. It’s more than just feeding—it’s about creating a connection that lasts a lifetime. Let’s celebrate the beauty of this bond, by advocating, supporting, and encouraging breastfeeding.

Good Nutrition is the foundation of a healthy and happy childhood. WIC is dedicated to providing families with the resources they need to ensure their children thrive. With WIC, you gain access to nutritious foods, personalized nutrition advice, and educational resources tailored to your family’s needs. We support you with everything from breastfeeding guidance to healthy meal planning. Join WIC today and give your child the best start in life. Visit our website or your local WIC office to learn how to enroll. Together, we can build a brighter, healthier future for our kids! #wic #childnutrition #healthystart #brightfutures #familyhealth

At WIC is committed to helping you and your child from the beginning. Your kid will receive unrivaled nourishment and connection from breastfeeding, and we are here to support you every step of the way. Our program gives you the tools you need to give your kid the finest start in life, from individualized counseling to nourishing meals. Recall that you are not traveling alone. Come and be a part of our moms' group who are embracing the benefits of healthy eating and nursing. We're constructing a healthy future for our kids together. To find out more about how WIC may help you with breastfeeding and nutrition, get in touch with us right now.

#WIC #Breastfeeding #Nutrition #HealthyStart #Parenting #SupportiveCommunity