Running head: WIC READINGS 1

Reading Summaries for WIC Rotation

Kacy Shaffer

Fontbonne University
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Lessen, R. & Kavanagh, K. (2015). Position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics:

Promoting and supporting breastfeeding. Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and

Dietetics, 115(3), 444 449.

Summary

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics supports breastfeeding exclusively for the first 6

months then breastfeeding with complementary foods until at least 12 months for infants. Human

milk is the optimal form of nutrition for infants and has non-nutritive functions as well. It has

appetite regulating hormones, factors that may help the infant develop a healthy gut microbiome,

and maternal immune factors that benefit the infants immune system. Well established health

outcomes associated with feeding human milk to infants include reduced risk of GI infections,

respiratory infections, and otitis media. There are social determinants for breastfeeding initiation

and continuation. Mothers who do not have a high school diploma, are younger, obese, or low-

income, or who live in certain regions of the U.S. are less likely to initiate breastfeeding and less

likely to maintain if they do initiate. These women are also more likely to suffer from diseases

associated with not breastfeeding. It is important for RDNs to stay current on micronutrient

supplementation recommendations for breastfed infants. RDNs should promote breastfeeding

practices and maintain a current basic knowledge of lactation management because research

shows it is important for both maternal and infant health outcomes.

Reflection

The nutritionists and the lactation specialist at WIC had the same recommendations that

the Academy states in its position paper. They encourage the mothers to breastfeed exclusively

for the first six months, then they talk to the mothers about complementary foods for when the

baby turns six months old. They talk to the mothers about the health benefits of breastfeeding for
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both the baby and for the mother. They ask about the barriers and offer solutions, such as the law

about pump breaks for working mothers. One of the nutritionists got a lactation certification and

both seemed passionate about breastfeeding and mother/infant health. Dorian, the RD at this

WIC clinic is following the position of the Academy that RDNs should promote breastfeeding

practices and maintain a current basic knowledge of lactation management. She even taught me

about hand expression, which I had never heard of until this rotation.

Procter, S. B. & Campbell, C. G. (2014). Position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics:

Nutrition and lifestyle for a healthy pregnancy outcome. Journal of the Academy of

Nutrition and Dietetics, 114(7), 1099 1103.

Summary

The Academy takes the position that women of childbearing age should adopt a lifestyle

that optimizes health and reduces risk of health problems in the mother and child. This means

adopting healthy behaviors, including good nutrition and recommended supplementation while

avoiding smoking, alcohol, and illicit drugs before becoming pregnant. Women should achieve a

healthy weight prior to conceiving and gain the amount of weight recommended by the Institute

of Medicine 2009 pregnancy weight guidelines. It is important to have appropriate and timely

nutrient supplementation, prevent foodborne illness, and get adequate hydration.

Reflection

The nutritionists at this WIC clinic promote healthy lifestyles for the pregnant women

they see. They set goals for diet and lifestyle to help the mothers adopt healthier lifestyles. They

talk about fruit and vegetable consumption, food safety, what the mothers are drinking (milk,

sugary beverages, water, etc.), physical activity, smoking, alcohol use, prenatal supplements, and

other lifestyle factors that may affect the health of the baby. I learned a lot about
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recommendations for mothers and their children at this rotation. There are so many things that

are recommended that are not common knowledge.

Schultz, D. J., Shanks, C. B., & Houghtaling, B. (2015). The impact of the 2009 Special

Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children food package

revisions on participants: A systematic review. Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and

Dietetics, 115(11), 1832 1846.

Summary

In 2009, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children

(WIC) food package policies were revised to meet nutrient recommendations set forth by the

Institute of Medicine (IOM). This revision increased fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat

dairy in the packages. This systematic review found that dietary intake improved and authorized

WIC stores increased the availability of healthier foods and beverages. Improving the nutritional

quality of WIC packages can help control diet-related diseases in women, infants, and children.

Reflection

During this rotation, I learned about the WIC package and how it promotes health for the

mothers and their children. Some of the mothers would complain about the package. The most

common complaint I heard was that they could only get the low-fat milk. Many asked them to

change it to 2% or whole milk. The nutritionists would explain that it is to promote health. The

nutritionists complain about how much juice the package provides. They do not support juice

drinking.