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Home - Local News Sports Obituaries Editorial Social Archives |
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Local News - April 2002 |
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WIC offers assistance to new mothers By ANDIE LEATHERMAN, LTN Staff Writer April 1, 2002 - Hope Smith wants Lincoln County women to know about a program that benefits pregnant women, new mothers and their children. Smith directs the county’s Women, Infant and Children program. WIC provides vouchers redeemable for dairy products, fortified cereals and other nutritious foods. Some 1,398 women and children are participating in the program though Smith estimates over 600 more are eligible. “The guidelines aren’t that low. They are not as strict as food stamps,” Smith said. A family of two can make up to $22,089 annually and be eligible. For a family of three, that number jumps to $27,787. The program will supply iron fortified formula though Smith encourages mothers to breast feed. “Most don’t know the benefits (of breast feeding). I want them to make an educated choice,” Smith said. Smith, an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, is quick to site research which indicates that breast-fed babies are less likely to develop diabetes, sudden infant death syndrome, asthma and RSV, a potentially fatal lung disease. Female babies who are breast fed are less likely to develop breast and other reproductive cancers. “This is only something you can do for your baby,” Smith said. According to Smith, babies are not the only ones benefiting from breast feeding. Women who breast feed are also less likely to develop breast cancer. Their bone density stays higher which lessens the chances of osteoporosis. Breast feeding mothers also lose post pregnancy weight faster, Smith said. The WIC programs loans breast pumps. Smith will counsel any woman interested in breast feeding, even if she is not in the WIC program. The WIC program is open to women who meet the financial guidelines regardless of citizenship status. Evening and lunch appointments are available. For more information, call 704-736-8637.
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© 2001 Lincoln Times-News |
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