Give Mother Earth a Hand - Breastfeed for Earth Day!



Earth Day was this past Sunday, April 22, 2012 and we wanted to celebrate by sharing some of the ways that breastfeeding your baby can help the earth!

1. Breastfeeding is a renewable resource - mom keeps making milk as long as baby is drinking it!
2. No shipping required - it goes right from mom to baby instantly and it doesn't need a package!
3. Formula is artificial - this means someone has to MAKE all of those ingredients in it and this process uses a lot of energy.
4. Formula comes from cow's milk and all those cows need a home!  Building dairy farms for formula production clears thousands of trees (and also creates a lot of pollution from manure!).
5. Breastfeeding moms do not have to use any bottles or cans of formula, which means less trash in landfills!
6. Heard about the water shortages all over the world?  Breastfeeding doesn't use up any additional water since it is made by mom!

Earth Day may have come and gone for this year, but here's the good news: 

If you are breastfeeding,

EVERY DAY IS EARTH DAY!

Sarah Robertson, Nutritionist & Breastfeeding Coordinator

Be Lead Free

What is lead?

Lead is an element found naturally in the Earth’s crust.  In the past it was used in paints, plumbing, gasoline, construction materials and many other products.  Lead is invisible, so we cannot see it, smell it, or feel it.  However, because we know how it was used in the past, we have a good idea of places where large amounts of lead are still found. 

Where is lead found?

Lead is commonly found in the paint of homes built before 1978, dust (especially dust from lead-based paint), old plumbing, drinking water, and dirt.

How can someone get lead poisoning?

Lead poisoning happens when people eat or breathe in products with lead or the dust from those products.  Lead poisoning is dangerous and can cause serious health and developmental problems.

Who is at risk?

Children and pregnant women have the highest risk. Children are at risk because they are so small.  Eating or breathing in just a small amount of paint with lead or lead dust can be harmful and cause lead poisoning in children under the age of 6.  Pregnant women are also at risk because lead is also for dangerous for the unborn baby.

How do I keep my family safe from lead?

Wash your hands before eating.

Wash fresh produce well before eating.

Feed your family a variety of nutritious foods. 

Avoid allowing your children to play with old toys and imported toys that may contain lead-based paint.

Ask your doctor about lead testing.

Where can I get screened?

At your child’s next doctor’s appointment, be sure to ask about getting a blood lead screening test.  They may do this at the office or give you a slip to get it done at a lab that will send the results to your doctor. 

-Valerie Marcellus, Nutritionist

WIC @ Stafford Head Start

Now Open!

The Rappahannock Area WIC program is happy to announce a new clinic in the area! Every Monday from 8 am - 3:30 pm the WIC Clinc will be open at the Stafford Head Start located at 610 Gayle St.  No appointment is needed! Drop on in for your next appointment and check out our new space! This site might be perfect for you if your child already attends Head Start or if this site is just simply closer to you. Directions to Stafford Head Start.

We'll see you there! 

Megan Mauer, Nutritionist 

Vitamin D- The Sunshine Vitamin!

Vitamin D is called the "sunshine vitamin" because our bodies can take the sunlight and use it as nourishment. Many Americans are not getting enough vitamin D each day, especially during the winter months. Now that summer is close, we can focus on maintaining enough vitamin D in our diet. Not only can you get your vitamin D from the sunshine, but more importantly, from the foods you eat.

Why is vitamin D so important?

• Vitamin D helps to build and maintain bone mass which is very important especially in women, to help prevent osteoporosis
• Vitamin D may prevent diabetes and some cancers
• Vitamin D may regulate the immune system
• Vitamin D may help regulate blood pressure

What are some sources of vitamin D?

• Sunlight
• Milk
• Yogurt
• Breakfast cereals
• Salmon

Here are some ideas to get a good amount of vitamin D in your diet:

• Use low-fat milk, not cream, in your coffee
• Buy vitamin D fortified low-fat yogurts, try one as a snack topped with cereals containing vitamin D
• Eat cereal for breakfast with low-fat or skim milk
• Try adding salmon over a salad (WIC breastfeeding mothers receive salmon on their vouchers)
• Sip on a warm cup of hot chocolate made with milk instead of water on those chilly, rainy days.

Too much or too little?

• Too much vitamin D in your diet can cause loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting and constipation.
• Too little vitamin D can cause many deficiency related diseases such as Rickets.

*Remember: We cant get enough vitamin D from sunlight alone and it is a good idea to wear a sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher daily to protect our skin from the harmful rays. Be sure to add a variety of vitamin D sources to your diet!

Christy Redmond
Nutritionist

One Year Birthday!!

The Rappahannock WIC program would like to celebrate it's one year birthday for the blog.  We hope that a lot of people have learned new interesting information.  We have updated this blog throughout the year with information about our local WIC program, breastfeeding and nutrition information, recipes and events in the area.  Let us know what you  want to see more of so we can post more about that.  You can also like us on facebook and let more people know about the blog!!

Buy and Eat Local!

April marks the beginning of farmers market season in the Rappahannock area! Visit the location closest to you for a great value on fresh and healthy foods while supporting your local farmers!

Spotsylvania

When: Starting April 21st and every Saturday through Thanksgiving 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Where:Commuter Lot at Rt. 3 and Gordon Rd. in Spotsylvania Map & Directions

                                   

 -AND A NEW ADDITIONAL LOCATION-

When: Starting May 16th and every Wednesday 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM

Where: Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center Map & Directions

Fredericksburg

When: Starting April 21st, Monday through Saturday from 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM and Sundays 12:30 PM to 4:00 PM

Where: Hurkamp Park, Prince Edward and George Streets Map & Directions

King George

When: Starting April 28th and every Saturday through November 17 8:00 AM to NOON

Where: King George Elementary School at the corner of Rt. 3 and Rt. 205 Map & Directions

Don't forget about using your SNAP Benefits  at the farmers markets. Visit the official farmers market website for more information and updates!

-Megan Mauer, Nutritionist

Free Parenting Classes!!!!

Are you interested in learning more about how to be a better parent?  Have questions on how to handle certain situations with your child?  Well the Fredericksburg Social Service office is offering free parenting classes to any person in the community who is interested.  They have multiple classes in the evenings normally from 6-8 for different age groups. Some of the classes started this week but they are having future classes. If you are interested in learning more about these classes or how to sign up contact Fredericksburg Social Services at 540-372-1032 ext 247. 

If for some reason you can't get into these classes you can contact Circle of Parents at 540-785-6217.  They offer parenting classes and a support group for parents.  These meetings are normally on Monday Evenings.  Sign up today for one of these classes!


-Eileen Alwang WIC Coordinator

Who Are Breastfeeding Peer Counselors?

Our breastfeeding peer counselors took the time to answer some questions to give you a better idea of who they are, what they do, and how they help our WIC moms.  We originally posted this piece back in October of 2011, but we decided to repost it since we have added a peer counselor to our staff!

ZaKia

1.  What is your favorite part about being a breastfeeding peer counselor?

My favorite part about being a peer counselor is working with a mom for a while to then get a      phone call where the mom tells me that everything is working for them. That their milk finally came in or that baby finally latched on! It is very rewarding to hear the joy in moms voice!

2.  What are some things you have learned from the moms you work with?

I have learned from lots of moms, especially those who tried to breastfeed before and were not successful, that it is a tremendous help to have someone calling and checking in on them as well as giving them the assistance they need. That helps them to get past some of the frustrating times.

3.  How do you think breastfeeding peer counselors help WIC moms to successfully breastfeed?

As a peer counselor, I believe we help mothers to successfully breastfeed by being encouraging, patient, caring and also available. Even if they are not able to breastfeed for a long amount of time, to have a counselor right there beside them helps them to go even further than they initially thought they could go.  Our success also comes from being able to share our own personal stories of breastfeeding.

Angie

1.  Have you noticed any differences in the health of your child who was exclusively breastfed and the health of your children who were not exclusively breastfed?

I have three children and I breastfed my first two children for about 5 months each.  Immediately when formula was introduced there were health problems, from not being able to tolerate formula, constant diarrhea, ear infections, etc.  For the following months until the turned a year old, I made doctor visits at least 1 to 2 times a month.  With my third child I was able to exclusively breastfeed for the whole first year, and I have experienced a drastic difference.  I have only been to the doctor once for an ear infection.  If I had been able to stick to breastfeeding exclusively with my first two children, I KNOW they would have been healthier and it would have saved me both time and money.

2.  What are the most common problems you see moms having, and how would you recommend they fix those problems?

The most common problem I see is when moms introduce formula because they don't understand that their mature breast milk doesn't come in until several days after birth.  At first, they only have a small amount of colostrum.  I hear so often, "My milk wasn't coming in soon enough," or, "I'm not making enough breastmilk to satisfy my baby's hunger."  First, moms need to realize that their little bundle of joy isn't going to eat 4-8 oz. when they are first born.  That will happen after they have been feeding on demand every 1 to 2 hours for a couple of weeks and their milk supply is better established.  I also tell moms to look for wet and dirty diapers before and after feedings.  If the baby is having them frequently then mom has plenty of breast milk for the baby.

3.  What is your favorite part about breastfeeding?

My absolute favorite part about breastfeeding is the special bond I have with my child that no one else has.  After a long day, I just love to cuddle up and breastfeed my little one.  It is a special quite time that I can caress her hair, read to her, and sing lullabies.  I also LOVE that I do not have to get up in the middle of the night to prepare bottles - I can sleep more!

Vivid

1.  What are your favorite aspects of being a breastfeeding peer counselor?

I enjoy helping moms make it past those little road blocks and on to their breastfeeding goal, educating moms & helping them see past all of the breastfeeding booby traps. I find it very rewarding to get a mom who is very unsure about breastfeeding and being able to enlighten her on how it will benefit her and her family.

2.  What do you enjoy about being a breastfeeding mom?

I love that I was able to give my daughter the gift of optimal health by breastfeeding her as long as I did. I’m glad that I was able to improve my long term health as well! Breastfeeding was more of a parenting tool for me, settling her out of tantrums and helping her to be secure enough to sleep on her own and eventually through the night. I also like that I can be a walking billboard for breastfeeding advocacy and help women to see that it is something normal rather than taboo.



If you have questions about breastfeeding, please don't hesitate to call one of our peer counselors!

- Sarah Robertson, Nutritionist

Quick Tips for Early Successful Breastfeeding

"I heard it hurts." "It's too much of a hassle." "My baby won't take my breast, so I stopped."

These are common themes heard in the WIC clinic on a daily basis....but guess what? All are small problems that can be talked through and handled right in your WIC clinic! We understand you can't always drop everything and come in to the clinic to talk to us, so today we're going to touch on a few tips that will hopefully ease any stress or questions you may have about breastfeeding. So let's get started!

1. One of the most important things we tell all our pregnant moms is to introduce the breast within the first hour of birth. Tell your doctors and nurses before delivering that you plan on breastfeeding and would like to have the baby on your chest within the first hour of birth. Having that early skin-to-skin contact with you baby is very important. The milk your body produces in the beginning is called colostrum and is rich in protein and can help fight infections. 

2. No schedule needed; feed your baby whenever they are hungry. Look for hunger cues and keep your baby close to you. Having your baby close by will help you learn when your baby is hungry. Your baby may breastfeed anywhere from 8-12 times a day.

3. Try different positions and find one that is comfortable for you and the baby. Proper positioning will decrease nipple soreness and make the overall experience an enjoyable for the both of you.

4. When possible ask family members for help with chores and other small things in the beginning so that you can focus on feeding your baby.

5. Avoid using bottles or pacifiers during the first month. Early use can actually make it harder for your baby to learn how to latch on. Unless there is a medical need, stay away from artificial nipples within the first 4 weeks.

6. Make time for yourself, this includes resting, drinking enough fluids and eating throughout the day.

7. Call your WIC breastfeeding peer counselor whenever help is needed. We are here for you!

Remember breastfeeding takes time, patience and practice. Breast milk is the best milk you can supply for your baby!

Like this post?  Subscribe to our mailing list to receive great breastfeeding information every two weeks from our breastfeeding peer counselors!



Megan Mauer, Nutritionist