If you are pregnant, we encourage you to breastfeed your baby.  Breastmilk is the best choice for you infant.  Breastmilk protects you baby against disease, such as ear infections, diarrhea, obesity and diabetes.  (No formula can do that).  Ask you WIC Nurse or Nutritionist about breastfeeding.

2.  If I decide to use infant formula, what brand will I get with WIC coupons?

Starting Nov. 1, 2006, all babies in Michigan who receive WIC infant formula coupons will be changed to one of the following formulas:

3.  Why is WIC switching to new formulas?

WIC is required to have an agreement with ONE infant formula campany that meets the government standards and offers WIC the best savings.  Money saved on formula is used to server more women and babies on the program.

4.  Where can I get the new formula?

At the same stroes where you are shopping now.  If the WIC store does not carry the formula on your WIC coupon or EBT shopping list, call you WIC clinic right away.

5.  My baby is using a different formula now, how do I switch my baby to the new formula?

You do not need to do anything special.  Just buy the brand of formula printed on your WIC coupons and follow the mixing directions on the can.

6.  What will happen to my baby when I switch formulas?

Most babies do not even notice the difference.  Sometimes there is a slight change in the color of the baby's bowel movement.  These changes are normal.

7.  How do I know if my baby is having a problem with the new formula?

Do not be too quick to blame your baby's fussiness or colic on the new brand of formula.  Remember, all babies have fussy times no matter what they are fed.  When babies have trouble with formula they may have too much gas, stomach pain, bowel movements that are too hard, trouble breathing, red diaper rash, watery bowel movements, frequent spitting up, or projectile vomiting.  If your baby is having a problem, contact your doctor or talk to your WIC Nurse or Nutritionist.

8.  What is my baby is allergic?

If you think your baby is allergic to the formula, we will ask you several questions about sysmptoms your baby might be having and how you are feeding your baby.  The problem may not be caused by the formula.  It could be the result of not mixing the formula right or not burping the baby often enough.  We will talk to you about how to feed your baby and how to store your formula to avoid these problems.

If you doctor recommends a special formula for a problem that your baby is having, we will give you a form that must be filled out at your doctor's office in order to get this special formula with your WIC coupons.  You must bring this form back in to the WIC clinic in order to get the special formula approved.

9.  Why must my baby drink an iron-foritified formula?

All babies need iron.  Breastmilk has the iron you baby needs.  Formula must have iron to give your baby what he or she needs.  Without iron, your baby would become tired and would not grow properly.

10.  Can I breastfeed after my baby has started on formula?

If your baby is having problems with infant formula you can try to start breastfeeding and stop the problems you are having with the formula.  Ask you WIC clinic for help if you choose to start breastfeeding.

In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national orgin, sex, age, or disability.