PHFE Management Solutions WIC Program (2004)

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children - better known as the WIC Program - serves to safeguard the health of low-income women, infants, & children up to age 5 who are at nutritional risk by providing nutritious foods to supplement diets, information on healthy eating, and referrals to health care. The three largest agencies providing WIC services in Los Angeles county also provide workplace support to their breastfeeding employees. PHFE Management Solutions WIC operates the Employee Perinatal Support Program (EPSP) where staff are able to access both pre-natal and post-partum services. Prenatal, breastfeeding classes are provided along with monthly prenatal support groups. A Trained Lactation Coach, who is a fellow employee with additional breastfeeding training, is chosen by the pregnant employee to support her as she breastfeeds. Telephone contact, home and hospital visits are made as needed. In addition, recognition is given to new mothers and their newborn with photos and posters, all displayed at the company headquarters as well as the employee’s worksite. In the last two years, the program has resulted in 100% breastfeeding initiation and 56% breastfeeding rate at 12 months. This is far above the national averages of 70% initiation and 17% breastfeeding at 12 months.