WIC Information For Healthcare Professionals

What We Do

Support the American Academy of Pediatrics statement on breastfeeding and the use of human milk. WIC encourages mothers to fully breastfeed their babies for the first six months, followed by continued breastfeeding as complementary foods are introduced, with continuation of breastfeeding for one year or longer as mutually desired by the mother and infant.
Assist WIC mothers with breastfeeding and make appropriate referrals.
Provide a limited number of milk-based and soy-based formulas for qualified WIC infants who are not fully breastfed.

Encourage mothers to fully breastfeed their babies for at least the first six months.
For non-breastfed babies, recommend one of the WIC contract standard infant formulas. These formulas do not require a prescription:
- Similac Advance; 20 calories per ounce milk-based formula, does not contain palm oil
- Similac Soy Isomil; 20 calories per ounce soy-based formula
- Similac Sensitive; 20 calories per ounce, lactose free, appropriate for mild intolerance issues such as gassiness, fussiness, or colic
- Similac Total Comfort: 20 calories per ounce milk-based formula, partially hydrolyzed protein for easier digestion, 100% whey
If a diagnosed qualifying medical condition necessitates the use of a non-contract formula, complete the necessary medical documentation so that a non-contract formula can be approved. In some cases, incomplete or limited medical information may prevent the approval of the formula requested. In order to expedite the approval process, WIC staff may need to contact the healthcare provider to obtain more detailed medical information. The following is a list of non-qualifying medical conditions:
Colic, spitting up, gassiness, or fussiness
Diarrhea, vomiting, or constipation that is of short duration or intermittent
Feeding difficulty without providing further medical diagnosis
Participant preference
Non-specific formula or food intolerance
Need or desire to enhance nutrient intake or manage body weight