Health Tips For New Moms

Supergraphic green

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, visit https://one.oregon.gov/ for information about the Oregon Health Plan or 211 at https://www.211info.org/.
red-line

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. Below 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:
iron
for healthy blood
calcium
for strong bones and teeth
Vitamins
A & C
for healing
Protein
for body repair
Here are some examples of what meal and snack portion sizes might look like on your plate.

Breakfast

1 cup water

½ sliced orange

breakfast

1 slice whole grain toast

1 hard-boiled egg

Lunch

1 cup water

½ cup large, sliced strawberries

1 cup sliced carrots

A sandwich, carrot sticks, and sliced strawberries, water on the side.

2 slices whole grain bread

with 3 ounces lean deli turkey

with ¼ cup lettuce and ¼ cup tomato

SNACK IDEAS

water between meals and snacks

½ cup sliced cucumbers

½ cup sliced peaches

A variety of fresh salad ingredients arranged neatly on a white surface

½ cup cherry tomatoes

1 cup low-fat or non-fat milk

5 or 6 whole grain crackers with tuna

3 or 4 slices cheese

Dinner

1 cup grapes

1 cup Asian slaw

dinner

1 cup brown rice

with ½ cup chicken

with 1½ cups vegetables

1 cup low-fat or non-fat milk

Breakfast Ideas

Mask Group 25

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: English Muffin + Banana + Peanut Butter

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
FRUIT OR VEGETABLE
  • Applesauce
  • Green peppers
  • Tomato
  • Apple
  • Banana
  • Melon
  • Orange
  • Peach
  • Pineapple
  • Raisins
  • Strawberries
DAIRY OR PROTEIN
  • Low-fat milk
  • Low-fat cheese
  • Low-fat yogurt
  • Egg, cooked
  • Nuts (like walnuts)
  • Peanut butter or nut butter
  • Hummus

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
EatingPizza

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.
acid-rectangle
greens
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.
orange-whole

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
bac_Cereal-Cheerios

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

orange-whole
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 heal. There are many tips that moms have shared that worked for them.
bac_sunflower
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 with fewer 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.

sandwich-turkey
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.

Make every bite count.

Choose foods with a variety of colors and from a variety of food groups. 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:
  • Give you more energy
  • Lower stress and help you relax
  • Tone your muscles
  • Help you look and feel great
tip

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 sweetened beverage a day.

What food can you change?

Example:
Eat low-fat yogurt with fruit for breakfast or add raw vegetables at lunch.

What can you do to be more active?

Example:
Turn on some music and dance with your baby.

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
bac_BlackLady

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 1-800-273-8255 for free and confidential emotional support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

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”
NewbornSucking
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)
bac_Newborn_sleeping_Baby_in_Moms_arms
“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
Want-you
“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
bac_Baby-mom
“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
  • Fruit
  • Orange juice with calcium
  • Tofu (made with calcium)
  • Kale and collard greens
  • Other foods fortified with calcium

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

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

bac_Breastfeeding-women

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.
Green Cup

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.

clock-blue

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.

hot

Formula heated in a microwave can burn your baby’s mouth. Warm the bottle in hot water. The bottle should feel lukewarm – not hot.

bottle

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.