WIC Rotation

         For my Child & Adolescent Rotation I had the opportunity to intern at Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) in the Elkins, Buckhannon and Petersburg locations. I was able to see what the nutritionist/RD does within this community setting. I also had the opportunity to observe the breastfeeding counselor and see what they do and what they cover in a counseling appointment with a client.  

            When beginning this rotation, I did not know too much about pregnancy, breastfeeding, babies and infants. I really did learn a lot more about this area during the week. I also got to see different ages in women, many being within the teenage years and seeing the difference among these mothers from the older mothers. I was unsure of what to expect at a WIC facility. I have heard and had a class or two in college where a nutritionist would come and talk to the class about her job at WIC, but I still was not sure of how the actual facility ran as a whole. I always thought it was more of classroom style clinics where the clients would get in small groups and have discussions and lessons on nutrition and feeding their baby/child. It turned out not to be like that at all. Clients make appointments and come in, get their height, weight and hemoglobin checked and then sit down one-on-one with the nutritionist. The nutritionist would then show the mother the three different growth charts to see where their child plots based on the height for their age, weight for their age and the weight for height of that specific child. Showing the clients the growth charts I think lets them really get a visual on their chart based on other children their age without directly saying “your child is a bit overweight” or “your child is at risk for becoming obese”, etc. The clients have a chance to talk about any concerns they may have or any questions regarding the child’s eating habits, etc. The children can be included on a WIC food package until the age of 5 years old and the mother can receive benefits until 6 months after the baby is born if she is not breastfeeding or she can receive benefits for up to one year as long as she is breastfeeding. The program is designed this way because once the child reaches the age of 5, they will be starting school and can get school breakfast and lunch.

            The WIC program is very beneficial to those mothers who cannot afford the proper nutrition needed for their growing baby. It was nice that I got to see a few clinics and see how they each work and the see different populations. Many of the women who are seen are really appreciative of their benefits and seem to be truly interested in getting their child the adequate nutritional needs required for a healthy, growing baby. But like any other program giving benefits, some do take advantage of it. It is a shame and even disheartening to see people use their children like that, but there really is not anything you can do. For the most part, at least from the week of experience I interned, you can tell just by their attitudes when sitting in the nutritionist’s office one-on-one with the family during their nutrition counseling. Some women talk and talk and ask questions and want to know more. You can tell how much they really care for their child and want to do what is best for their child to be healthy. Some do not show that at all. They may come in with a bad attitude hardly even willing to answer any questions, they just want their benefits and be done.

            Also, during my rotation at WIC, a new computer is getting started in all facilities. At the locations that I interned, they had been using it for about a month, so it is still new and getting adjusted to that specific program, but they also knew how to navigate through it pretty well. The new program is WV Crossroads Production. It was cool that I got the opportunity to see the new system as well since every facility will be changing to it eventually.

            Overall, my rotation with WIC was a positive one and it really did exceed my expectations of what I thought it was going to be like. I was introduced to several wonderful nutritionists and/or RDs who were all very friendly and willing to teach me anything I wanted to know more about. I really appreciate all of their help and letting me come intern with them for a week!