By Guadalupe Alfaro Cabrera, BS, CSUN Dietetic Intern
The Women, Infant, and Children (WIC) program helps pregnant, breastfeeding and postpartum women, infants, and children under age 5 to eat well and stay healthy by providing healthy foods at no cost. WIC participants also receive free nutrition education, breastfeeding support, screenings, and referrals to other health and social services1.
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By Guadalupe Alfaro Cabrera, BS, CSUN Dietetic Intern
Research has shown that breastfeeding offers many health benefits for infants and mothers. Breastfeeding offers infants nutritionally balanced meals at the adequate temperature. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends to exclusively breastfeed for the first 6 months of life, because breast milk is sufficient to support optimal growth and development, and to continue for at least 12 months1. Additionally, breast milk offers protection against some diseases, and lowers the risk for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome2. Breastfeeding helps the mother heal faster after childbirth. Women that breastfeed have a lower risk to develop type 2 diabetes, certain types of breast cancer and ovarian cancer3. Continue reading
