Yesterday, I went to the WIC office right across the street from my house hoping to get some free juice and peanut butter. I walked into their pleasantly cool office and they had me fill out a couple of forms. Almost as soon as I was done with that, a very nice lady took me to the clinic room to get my height, weight, and iron measurements. As we were waiting for the results of my iron, she told me that anything over 10.5 is great. The machine beeped and she told me that my iron is at a healthy 11.3! How exciting!
Next, we went into her office where she interviewed me about my eating habits. We talked about the things I'm doing right along with ideas of how I could do better. Then she asked me if I plan on breast feeding.
"Of course! What better way for my baby to get all the anti-bodies he needs!?" I replied.
She smiled and explained that WIC rewards women who breastfeed by giving them even more free stuff once they give birth. She showed me information on a free breast feeding class that they offer and I happily signed up. She then explained the importance of having a strong mentor in order for me to be a successful breast-feeder.
"Do you know of anyone who would be a good support for you?" she asked.
Of course, I immediately thought of Cindy. I told her all about my partner's mom and how enthusiastic she is about natural childbirth in general and how particularly excited she gets about breast feeding.
After we covered all the bases, I was handed my blank WIC checks for the next three months and a brochure on all the stuff I get every month. I was shocked because I thought it was just free juice and peanut butter, but it is so much more. Today I went to Wal Mart and used the first of my four checks for the first month and got only a fraction of what I'm allotted for the month.
Here's what I get every month for FREE:
11 half gallons of lactose and growth hormone free milk
6 bottles of 46 oz juice
2 pounds of cheese
1 dozen eggs
36 oz of cereal
1 jar of peanut butter or dried beans or lentils
I just love that this benefit is there for me to reach out and grab onto. It is definitely worth the minimal effort to get all this free healthy stuff for my baby and me! I think on my next visit, they might give me some vouchers to get some free local produce at the farmer's market. I can't wait!
AWESOME! I remember going to that office with Ashli and you really get some good FREE stuff. That diffinitly helps out with the grocery bill.
ReplyDeleteGood ole WIC, I remember it well. It sure saved our family from hardship while raising 5 kids. One of those "socialist" programs that republicans are always trying to cut for "poor" people. The way Cindy and I were both raised, we always felt a certain level of shame about using it, I would always find a way to avoid the cash register when paying for it, such was my pride as the"breadwinner" in those days. Anyway, I'm glad to see it is still available to you. Also happy to hear of your enthusiasm for breast feeding. You Go Girl! Leland
ReplyDeleteThanks Leland... Believe me, the pride hurdle is one I have to jump over all the time, but the more I do it, the easier it gets. I was raised with the "take care of yourself" mentality. It really is a societal thing that hopefully is going by the wayside because it simply isn't a realistic expectation we put on ourselves.
ReplyDelete