Breastfeeding Orientation

Arkansas Department of Health

WIC Program

Nutrition & Breastfeeding Section

1-800-445-6175

As a new employee of the Arkansas Department of Health you…

Have a role in promoting and supporting breastfeeding.

Are IMPORTANT – families look to you for information and help.

Need to be ready to answer questions like these…

Why is breastfeeding important?

Breastfed babies have less:

Sickness and colds

Allergies

Ear infections

Constipation and diarrhea

Unscheduled doctor visits

Human milk is the perfect food for babies.

Human milk provides babies with all the right nutrients, in the right amounts, and it is always ready.

Nursing moms benefit, too!

Mothers’ bodies change to follow nature’s plan.

Mom’s may feel more relaxed while nursing.

Breastfeeding moms lose pregnancy weight faster.

Breastfeeding enhances bonding with the baby.

Breastfeeding lowers mom’s risk for breast & ovarian cancers.

For babies, breastfeeding is the best start they can have…

Satisfies extra suckling and cuddling time babies need naturally.

Mother’s milk is easier to digest than infant formula.

Babies’ stools are softer.

Breastfeeding benefits society…

Saves on health care costs - breastfed infants typically need fewer sick care visits, prescriptions, and hospitalizations.

Breastfeeding benefits society…

Contributes to a more productive workforce - breastfeeding mothers miss less work, as their infants are sick less often. Employer medical costs are also lower and employee productivity is higher.

Yes, indeed…

Breastfeeding mothers CAN go back to work or school AND continue to breastfeed!

Breastfeeding benefits society…

Protects the environment because there is less trash & plastic waste compared to that produced by formula cans and bottle supplies.

Breastfeeding Information

Education and support materials can be ordered through ADH’s Central Supply.

Some educational materials are available to download and print from the WIC Breastfeeding website: (**After visiting the website below, remember to return to the module by clicking on the back arrow at the top, left hand side of the

screen.**) http://www.healthyarkansas.com/breastfeeding/

A variety of videos, DVDs and books about breastfeeding can be found within the local health unit.

Other books and pamphlets are available by calling the WIC Central Office, Nutrition & Breastfeeding Section at 1-800-445-6175.

Breastfeeding Support

WIC moms may ask about problems or help with breastfeeding.

Many public health nurses, nutritionists and home economists have been trained to help breastfeeding moms.

Several counties in various parts of the State also have breastfeeding peer counselors available to assist moms.

Breastfeeding Support

Every WIC CPA or Counselor is required to receive training that enables them to assist mothers with basic concerns and problems.

Other local staff may be designated as a resource for more complicated breastfeeding issues.

In addition, the Breastfeeding HelpLine at 1-800-445-6175 is available from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm Monday - Friday.

All Employees Can Promote & Support Breastfeeding

Keep formula and formula advertising out of sight.

Display posters and pictures throughout the health unit that encourage breastfeeding.

Use office supplies such as coffee mugs, pens, pencils and notepads, that are free of formula advertisements.

Most importantly, help mothers feel good about breastfeeding.

Community Partnerships

Click here to view a video that (After viewing the video, remember to return to the module by clicking on the “close” icon at the top right hand side of the screen.):

Provides increased awareness of how WIC and other healthcare providers can work collaboratively to support breastfeeding mothers.

Invites community organizations to partner with WIC to create an environment that encourages and supports mothers to breastfeed.

Breastfeeding Accomplishes Our Mission

Assuring conditions that encourage a healthier quality of life for people in the State is an important part of the mission of the Arkansas Department of Health.

You can help fulfill the mission by giving WIC families every chance at a healthy life. Breastfeeding is the best beginning! Thanks for your support.

A-TRAIN Instructions

Return to the A-TRAIN home page; click on “My Learning” under the “My Learning Record” section. Click on the “M” button next to the title of the completed course. Click on the “Completed” button. The user will be asked if the course should be marked as complete. Click “yes.”

Certificates of completion can be printed by clicking on “Certificates” under the My Learning Record” section. Click on the title of the completed course. Click on the “Print” button to print the certificate.