Health Tips For New Moms

Dear Mom,

Congratulations on the birth of your baby! Healthy families choose WIC – it’s a choice to be proud of, and we are excited you are here.
As a new mom with WIC, you can:
  • Find healthcare and other services
  • Learn to make smart food choices
  • Learn ways to keep your baby safe
  • Get support with breastfeeding
  • Buy healthy foods
This website has tips to help keep you and your baby healthy. These tips do not replace your healthcare provider’s advice. Write down questions to ask your healthcare provider before you go to your next checkup.

WIC can help you learn about healthy eating and support your breastfeeding journey. WIC has nutrition sessions for you and other moms to learn, share ideas, and ask questions. We hope you enjoy your experience with WIC; we are happy to share this special time with you.

Sincerely,
Your WIC staff

Get the Care You Need

Postpartum care is healthcare for women after their baby is born. A healthcare provider or specially trained nurse checks that you are healthy and healing well. Go to all your postpartum checkups.

You and your baby need vaccines to stay healthy.
  • Vaccines keep you safe from viruses and diseases like COVID-19, measles, polio, and tetanus.
  • Babies will get most of their vaccines by their 2nd birthday. Some vaccines are needed after that.
  • Ask your healthcare provider what vaccines you and your baby need.
  • It is important to keep up to date on your baby's vaccines.
  • Keep a vaccine record for you and your baby. Bring the record with you to all appointments.

If you need help to pay for healthcare, contact your local Medicaid office.

Choose Healthy Foods

Moms who feed only breast milk to their baby may need slightly more food. This is a general guide. You may need more or less amounts of food. For a Daily Food Plan that’s designed just for you, visit www.myplate.gov.

Eat regular meals and choose a variety of whole grains, vegetables, fruits, dairy and protein foods.

Eat Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

You and your baby do best when you eat regular meals and snacks. Here is a sample menu using some foods you can purchase with your WIC benefits.

Get your body in shape with WIC foods. They give you:

  • for healthy blood
  • for strong bones and teeth
  • for healing
  • for body repair

Here are some examples of what meal and snack portion sizes might look like on your plate.

Breakfast

1 cup 100% mixed berry juice
1 slice whole grain toast
1 hard-boiled egg

Lunch

½ cup large, sliced strawberries
1 cup sliced carrots
1 cup water
2 slices whole grain bread
with 3 ounces lean deli turkey
with ¼ cup lettuce and ¼ cup tomato

Snacks

snacks
½ cup sliced peaches
1 cup low-fat or non-fat milk
5 or 6 whole grain crackers
3 or 4 slices cheese
½ cup sliced cucumbers and ½ cup cherry tomatoes
water between meals and snacks

Dinner

1 cup grapes
½ cup cooked green beans
1 cup mixed, green salad with 1 tablespoon dressing
1 cup whole grain spaghetti
with ¼ cup ground beef
with 1 cup tomato sauce
1 cup low-fat or non-fat milk

Breakfast Ideas

Make time for breakfast. It helps you get through the day. Here are a few ideas. Choose one or more foods from each group below.

EXAMPLE: Whole Wheat Tortilla + Peanut Butter + Apple Slices

BREAD, CEREAL, OR OTHER GRAINS

  • Bagel
  • Cereal
  • Whole wheat or corn tortilla
  • Crackers
  • English muffin
  • Oatmeal or grits
  • Raisin bread
  • Whole grain bread
  • Granola or trail mix
  • Whole grain waffle

DAIRY OR PROTEIN

  • Low-fat milk
  • Low-fat cheese
  • Low-fat yogurt
  • Egg, cooked
  • Nuts (like walnuts)
  • Peanut butter or nut butter
  • Hummus

FRUIT OR VEGETABLE

  • Applesauce
  • Green peppers
  • Tomato
  • Avocado
  • Apple
  • Banana
  • Melon
  • Orange
  • Peach
  • Pineapple
  • Raisins
  • Strawberries

Be Smart About Fast Foods

On the go? Ask for these smart choices.

  • Grilled chicken sandwich
  • Turkey and avocado sub
  • Hamburger or cheeseburger
  • Pizza topped with green peppers, tomatoes and mushrooms
  • Baked potato with vegetable and cheese toppings
  • Bean burrito
  • Fruit
  • Water, low-fat milk or 100% juice

Get Folic Acid Every Day.

Folic acid is a vitamin that every cell in your body needs. This vitamin might protect you from a heart attack, stroke and cancer. If you become pregnant again, it protects your unborn baby from birth defects in their spine and brain which develop very early in pregnancy. It is recommended to get at least 400 micrograms (mcg) every day.

Check nutrition labels to get enough folic acid each day.

  • Take a vitamin that has 400 mcg folic acid in it every day.
  • Eat a bowl of breakfast cereal that has 100% of the daily value of folic acid every day.

Eat foods with folic acid even if you take a vitamin pill or eat fortified cereal.

  • Add some cantaloupe, oranges or strawberries to your breakfast.
  • Choose darker green lettuce and greens, like romaine, green leaf or raw spinach for salads or sandwiches.
  • Have peanuts or peanut butter for a snack.
  • Mix up a great tasting dip and use cut up raw veggies, like broccoli and cauliflower or use cherry tomatoes and mini carrots for dipping.

What about iron?

After childbirth, your body’s iron level may be low. This can make you feel weak and tired. Your healthcare provider may recommend a vitamin with iron or to continue taking your prenatal vitamin.

TRY TO EAT MORE OF THESE IRON-RICH FOODS:

  • Iron-fortified breakfast cereal
  • Cooked dried beans like white beans, lentils, garbanzo beans or pinto beans
  • Lean red meat
  • Tofu
  • Eggs
  • Greens like spinach, collard greens and mustard greens
  • Potato with skin
  • Prune juice
  • Whole grain bread

Combine iron rich foods with foods high in Vitamin C. Eating these together helps your body absorb more iron from the food you eat.

Good sources of Vitamin C include:

  • Orange juice
  • Grapefruit
  • Baked potatoes
  • Tomatoes
  • Peppers
  • Broccoli

Small Changes and Healthy Choices Add Up To A Healthier You!

Small changes can make a big difference in helping you feel good, have more energy and lose weight. There are many tips that moms have shared that worked for them.

  • Don’t eat food directly from the package – portion out foods, like crackers, nuts, trail mix, pretzels, cheese cubes, etc., into individual containers or zip-top bags. Better yet, put vegetables in a container for quick healthy snacks without all the calories.
  • Make vegetables a part of every meal - start a family meal with a bowl of vegetables or salad placed at the center of the table and eat plenty. Serve the main dish in the kitchen. Use the MyPlate guide to fix your plate at www.myplate.gov.
  • Stop eating when you feel full – remind yourself that it’s okay to stop eating before your plate is empty or before everyone is done eating.
  • Watch your portions – use smaller plates. Studies show we eat more when we use bigger plates.
  • Cut back on some foods – cut calories by cutting out foods high in fats and added sugar. Decide to choose sweet drinks, cookies, cakes, candies and ice cream as occasional treats. Limit meats, like ribs, bacon and hot dogs.
  • Cook at home – try healthier recipes that use less fat, sugar and salt.
  • Drink water – sometimes we may feel hungry when we are thirsty. Keep water with you throughout the day. Sipping water can help fill you up so you don’t eat as much.
  • Eating healthy is only one part of feeling great and having more energy – Being active helps too. Staying active helps new moms relieve stress – and having a new baby can be stressful! Ask your doctor when it’s okay to exercise and then start out slow.

Be Active Whenever You Can

Your body stays fit when you move it. If your healthcare provider says it’s okay, stay active. Walking, stretching, and swimming are a few good ways.

Being physically active can:

  • Help you look and feel great
  • Give you more energy
  • Lower stress and help you relax
  • Work off your pregnancy weight
  • Tone your muscles

Take it easy, at first. Your body needs to heal. Ask your healthcare provider what you can do and when you can do it.

Start with a 5 or 10 minute walk. After one week, walk a little longer or farther. Set a goal that works for you.

Here are other easy ways to move your body:

  • March in place when you watch TV or talk on the phone.
  • Play music and dance.
  • Ask your friends and family to join you.

You can also find other fun and free workout programs/videos online.

Change health habits one at a time.

Get used to one change before you make the next one.

What food can you cut back on?

Example:
Cut back to one soda a day.

What food can
you change?

Example:
Eat low-fat yogurt with fruit for breakfast.

What can you do to be more active?

Example:
Take the stairs, not the elevator.

Make Time For Yourself

Enjoy your new baby, but take care of yourself, too.

  • Ask for help from family and friends. Let them shop, cook and clean.
  • Nap when your baby naps. If you can’t sleep, lie down and rest.
  • Find someone to talk to.

Eating nutritious, regular meals helps you:

  • Have more energy
  • Think clearly
  • Heal better

Keep Your Smile Healthy.

Healthy teeth and gums are a sign of good health.

  • Brush your teeth (and tongue) at least 2 times a day.
  • Floss your teeth every day.
  • Drink water, not sugar-sweetened drinks.
  • Get a dental checkup every 6 months.

Postpartum Depression

Most new moms get the Blues. They cry, feel sad, and have mood swings. This can last up to 2 weeks. If the feelings continue and get worse, you could have Postpartum Depression.

If you think you might have Postpartum Depression, talk with your healthcare provider to get help. You deserve to feel well.

If you have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, get help right away.

Call the Postpartum Support International Helpline at 1-800-944-4773, visit www.postpartum.net, or text 800-944-4773 (English) or 971-203-7773 (Spanish).

SIGNS OF POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION

Any of these feelings that last more than 2 weeks:

  • Feeling very sad
  • Crying often
  • Don’t want to eat or can’t stop eating
  • Can’t sleep or want to sleep all the time
  • Don’t want to take care of yourself
  • Don’t enjoy life
  • Don’t care about your baby
  • Feel like you could hurt yourself or your baby
  • Afraid to be alone with your baby
  • Worrying too much about your baby

TRY THIS STRESS RELIEVER

  • Sit in a chair.
  • Put your hands on your stomach.
  • Breathe in through your nose as you slowly count to 4. Hold for one second.
  • Breathe out through your mouth as you slowly count to 4. Repeat 5 to 10 times.

Understanding Your Baby’s Cues

Your baby uses body movements and cues to tell you what they need. Responding to your baby’s cues can help them be calm and happy.

“I’M HUNGRY”

When your baby is hungry, they may:

  • Keep their hands near their mouth
  • Bend their arms and legs
  • Make sucking noises
  • Pucker their lips
  • Search for the nipple (roots)

“I’M Full”

When your baby is full, they may:

  • Suck slower or stop sucking
  • Relax their hands and arms
  • Turn away from the nipple
  • Push away
  • Fall asleep

“I WANT TO BE NEAR YOU”

When I am ready to play.

As your newborn gets older, you will be better able to tell when they are ready to interact, learn or play.

When your baby is asking you to help them learn more about you and their new world, they may:

  • Have a relaxed face and body
  • Follow your voice and face
  • Reach toward you
  • Stare at your face
  • Raise their head

“I NEED A BREAK”

When I need something to be different.

As you get to know your baby, you will begin to learn what they are trying to tell you. This takes time.

When your baby needs a break from playing and learning, or needs some quiet time, they may:

  • Look away, turn away or arch their back
  • Frown or have a glazed look in their eyes
  • Stiffen their hands, arms or legs
  • Yawn or fall asleep

Give Your Baby the Best Start – Breastfeed!

Breastfeeding is natural, but may take time and practice. You and your baby are learning in the first 3 weeks. It gets easier after that.

Get your rest. You will have more energy for your baby.

Drink water, milk and 100% juice when you are thirsty. Have a beverage ready to drink while you breastfeed.

EAT THREE MEALS AND AT LEAST ONE SNACK EACH DAY. SOME SNACK IDEAS ARE:

  • Cheese and crackers
  • Fruit
  • Low-fat yogurt
  • Nuts and raisins
  • Cereal
  • Sandwich

If you do not drink milk, talk to wic. You can get calcium from other foods like:

  • Cheese
  • Yogurt
  • Orange juice with calcium
  • Tofu (made with calcium)
  • Kale and collard greens
  • Other foods fortified with calcium

Join a breastfeeding support group where you can talk with other moms.

Call WIC or a lactation consultant if you have questions about breastfeeding.

BREASTFEEDING – GOOD FOR YOU, GOOD FOR BABY

Babies who are breastfed:

  • Have fewer allergies
  • Get sick less often
  • Have less diarrhea and constipation
  • Have a reduced risk of crib death (SIDS)

Moms who breastfeed:

  • Spend less money on food for baby
  • Get back into shape faster
  • Have a decreased risk of certain cancers and type 2 diabetes

TIPS FOR FEEDING FORMULA

Whether you choose to feed your baby breast milk or formula, your baby counts on you to help them do well eating. For information on paced bottle feeding, visit the 0-6 month feeding guide.

  • Mixing formula is just like following a recipe; mixing ingredients correctly is important. Your baby needs you to follow mixing directions on the can. Remember to always add water to the bottle first and then formula.
  • If others care for your baby, be sure they know how to correctly mix and prepare the formula.
  • Throw away formula left in the bottle after a feeding. If you prepare bottles ahead, store them in a refrigerator until you are ready to feed your baby. Prepare just enough bottles for 24 hours.
  • Formula heated in a microwave can burn your baby’s mouth. Warm the bottle in hot water. The bottle should feel lukewarm – not hot.
  • Your baby only needs formula in the bottle; never put sweetened drinks or water in your baby’s bottle.

Staying Safe

Keep you and your baby healthy by avoiding tobacco or nicotine products, alcohol, marijuana, and other drugs. If you are planning another pregnancy, we can help you with resources to stop or reduce use of tobacco, nicotine, alcohol, or drugs.

Smoking or using tobacco or nicotine products can impact your health. Smoke or vapor from cigarettes or vape pens can impact others around you. Smoking around babies or children can increase their risk for colds, ear infections, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), or asthma.

Consider a no smoking rule for your home and vehicles. Ask people to not smoke around you and your baby.

We know how difficult it is to quit or reduce tobacco or nicotine products. If you are struggling to quit or reduce your use, we have resources for you. Visit www.quitnow.net for support with quitting tobacco or nicotine use including free coaching, a free quit plan, and educational materials.

Avoiding alcohol, marijuana, and other drugs is recommended to keep you and your baby or older children healthy and safe. We have resources to support your efforts to stop or reduce your use.

For support with quitting alcohol, marijuana, or other illegal drug use contact your healthcare provider or visit www.findtreatment.gov.

For additional support, contact your local WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor or WIC Designated Breastfeeding Expert for breastfeeding questions.

Side-Lying

Side-Lying Hold

  1. For the right breast, lie on your right side with your baby facing you.
  2. Pull your baby close. Your baby’s mouth should be level with your nipple.
  3. In this position, you can cradle your baby’s back with your left arm and support yourself with your right arm and/or pillows.
  4. Keep loose clothing and bedding away from your baby.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

  • You had a C-section
  • You want to rest while baby feeds
  • You are breastfeeding in the middle of the night
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position
cross-cradle

Cross-Cradle Hold

  1. For the right breast, use your left arm to hold your baby’s head at your right breast and baby’s body toward your left side. A pillow across your lap can help support your left arm.
  2. Gently place your left hand behind your baby’s ears and neck, with your thumb and index finger behind each ear and your palm between baby’s shoulder blades. Turn your baby’s body toward yours so your tummies are touching.
  3. Hold your breast as if you are squeezing a sandwich. To protect your back, avoid leaning down to your baby. Instead, bring your baby to you.
  4. As your baby’s mouth opens, push gently with your left palm on baby’s head to help them latch on. Make sure you keep your fingers out of the way.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

  • Your baby is premature
  • Your baby has a weak suck
  • Your baby needs help to stay latched
  • Your baby needs extra head support
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position
Football

Clutch or “Football” Hold

  1. For the right breast, hold your baby level, facing up, at your right side.
  2. Put your baby’s head near your right nipple and support their back and legs under your right arm.
  3. Hold the base of your baby’s head with your right palm. A pillow underneath your right arm can help support your baby’s weight.
  4. To protect your back, avoid leaning down to your baby. Bring baby to you instead.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

  • You had a C-section
  • You have large breasts
  • You have flat or inverted nipples
  • You have a strong milk let-down
  • You are breastfeeding twins
  • Your baby likes to feed in an upright position
  • Your baby has reflux
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position
CRADLE hold

Cradle Hold

  1. For the right breast, cradle your baby with your right arm. Your baby will be on their left side across your lap, facing you at nipple level.
  2. Your baby’s head will rest on your right forearm with your baby’s back along your inner arm and palm.
  3. Turn your baby’s tummy toward your tummy. Your left hand is free to support your breast, if needed. Pillows can help support your arm and elbow.
  4. To protect your back, avoid leaning down to your baby. Instead, bring your baby to you.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

  • Your baby needs help latching on
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position
laid-back

Laid-Back Hold

  1. Lean back on a pillow with your baby’s tummy touching yours and their head at breast level. Some moms find that sitting up nearly straight works well. Others prefer to lean back and lie almost flat.
  2. You can place your baby’s cheek near your breast, or you may want to use one hand to hold your breast near your baby. It’s up to you and what you think feels best.
  3. Your baby will naturally find your nipple, latch, and begin to suckle.

This hold is useful when:

  • Your baby is placed on your chest right after birth
  • You have a strong milk let-down
  • You have large breasts
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position