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News / Empowering Families: How WIC Supports Breastfeeding and Nutrition 

Empowering Families: How WIC Supports Breastfeeding and Nutrition 

Published Mar 27, 2025

Alyssa Rodgers, IBCLC

Meet Alyssa Rodgers: Champion for Breastfeeding Support 

My name is Alyssa Rodgers, and I am the breastfeeding peer counselor coordinator and International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant for the Columbia/Boone County WIC program.  

My journey with WIC began in 2021 as a peer counselor while working toward my IBCLC certification, which I earned at the end of 2022. An IBCLC is the highest accreditation for a health care professional specializing in lactation. We provide expert-level care to families, offer community support, and even influence policies that protect and promote breastfeeding.  

My role includes prenatal education, lactation support and community outreach, such as organizing private feeding spaces at events like the Boone County Fair. I also serve as the president of the Central Missouri Breastfeeding Coalition and contribute to initiatives like a perinatal resource guide for mid-Missouri, which is expected to be released later this year, and an infant feeding policy for emergencies. My passion lies in bridging gaps and expanding breastfeeding support for families in our community. 

What Is WIC and Who Is Eligible? 

WIC (Women, Infants and Children) is a supplemental nutrition program that provides access to healthy foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support and connections to community resources. Eligibility criteria include the following. 

  • pregnant individuals throughout pregnancy 
  • postpartum individuals (including those who have experienced a miscarriage) for six months if not breastfeeding and for one year if chest- or breastfeeding 
  • children from birth to age 5 

Additionally, individuals must be at nutritional risk and meet income requirements, typically at or below 185% of the federal poverty level or be enrolled in Medicaid. 

Services and Resources WIC Provides 

WIC offers the following vital resources. 

  • Food Packages: Participants receive benefits for fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy, whole grains and more. WIC can provide formula for infants who are bottle-fed, and specialty formulas also are available with a physician’s prescription. 
  • Farmers Market Vouchers: Many Missouri WIC clinics, including ours, partner with local farmers markets to provide fresh, seasonal produce. 
  • Nutrition Education: Nutritionists work with participants to create personalized nutrition goals while monitoring growth and iron levels in children. 
  • Breastfeeding Support: Peer counselors and IBCLCs offer education, support, and access to breastfeeding supplies like pumps, nursing pads, and milk storage bags. 
  • Pump Program: WIC ensures breastfeeding parents have access to appropriate breast pumps, including hospital-grade rentals and free personal pumps for those returning to work or school. 
  • Community Referrals: WIC connects families to resources for diapers, cribs, car seats, housing assistance and transportation. 

How WIC Promotes Breastfeeding 

WIC actively promotes breastfeeding through multiple initiatives. 

  • Peer Counselor Program: Peer counselors provide support from mothers with breastfeeding experience who understand the journey firsthand. 
  • Designated Breastfeeding Experts: Many clinics, including ours, have IBCLCs or other lactation specialists for higher-level breastfeeding care. 
  • Extended Food Benefits: Breastfeeding participants receive an additional six months of food benefits, for a total of one year postpartum. 
  • Statewide Support Initiatives: Missouri’s WIC program offers a free Breastfeeding Educator course for health care professionals and supports hospital-based breastfeeding programs through the Show-Me-5 initiative. 

Addressing Common Misconceptions About WIC 

One lesser-known fact about WIC is that participants can access services at any clinic in Missouri, not just in their home county. This flexibility benefits families who travel or receive care in different locations. 

A common misconception is that WIC is exclusively for women. While “Women” is in the name, WIC is open to all pregnant and postpartum individuals, regardless of gender identity. 

Nutrition Tips for Pregnant and Postpartum Individuals 

Nutrition plays a vital role in pregnancy and postpartum recovery. The following are my key recommendations. 

  • Stay Hydrated: Enhance water intake with a small pinch of high-quality salt (like pink Himalayan or Celtic Sea salt) for electrolyte balance. 
  • Focus on Whole Foods: Prioritize protein, fiber, fruits and vegetables instead of expensive specialty products. 
  • Supplement Wisely: While prenatal vitamins are essential, whole food sources of vitamins and minerals provide additional benefits. 
  • Boost Iron Absorption: Increase intake of vitamin C, vitamin A and copper-rich foods to support iron levels. 

Grocery List for Optimal Nutrition 

Here are some nutrient-dense foods to include in a pregnancy or postpartum diet. 

  • Protein: Chicken, beef, salmon, eggs 
  • Iron and Vitamins: Spinach, almonds, cashews 
  • Vitamins C and A: Broccoli, carrots, sweet potatoes, citrus fruits, bell peppers 
  • Hydration and Electrolytes: Cantaloupe, kiwi, Brussels sprouts 

WIC is here to support families with expert nutrition guidance, breastfeeding resources and essential community connections. If you or someone you know could benefit from WIC services, reach out to your local clinic today! 

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