Month: March 2020

Formula may be hard to find due to COVID-19

Many stores have low supplies of infant formula because people are over-buying or stockpiling formula. The amount of formula being produced remains the same.  There is not a manufacturing problem.

Tips for finding WIC authorized formula

• Call before you shop to ask if the store has the formula you need.
• Call your WIC office and ask for help locating a store with a supply.
• Call your doctor’s office and ask if they have any samples from the formula company.
• Call 211 to get the names of food banks in your area.
• Ask friends and family if they can order a small supply of formula online and have it sent directly to you. You cannot use WIC benefits online, but a small amount could help until you find the formula in the store.

Are formula companies sending free formula when you call the 800 number on the can?

No. This is a false rumor that has been spread online.  Enfamil has responded to the false rumor with this statement:
Contrary to rumors in some online social networks, we are not distributing free cases of formula. We are instead focused on ensuring equitable availability for every baby.
Enfamil Store Locator: https://bit.ly/33rJeAm

Why making homemade formula is dangerous

From the American Academy of Pediatrics:

• Recipes for homemade formulas on the internet are not safe and do not meet your baby’s nutritional needs.
• All infant formulas sold in the U.S. meet strict rules about ingredients.
• Homemade formula mixtures may not have enough iron and vitamins. They could also have too much of certain nutrients that your baby’s kidneys cannot handle.
• Homemade formula could get contaminated with germs which could lead to infection.
• The first year of life is a key time for your baby’s body and brain to grow. Your baby could suffer long-term harm if they do not get the right blend of nutrition. Even a short period of poor nutrition can be harmful.

Do not add extra water to your baby’s formula

Do not try to make more formula by adding extra water. Always follow the formula label instructions or those given to you by your baby’s doctor. Adding extra water to formula is dangerous and can lead to very serious health problems. Your baby may not get all the nutrients in the right amounts.

There are no safe alternative milks to replace formula

It is not safe to use regular cow’s milk or other types of non-dairy milk to replace formula. None of these alternatives have the right amounts of very important nutrients including protein, iron, and vitamins. Do not use any of the following in place of formula for your baby:

• Regular cow’s milk
• Toddler milks
• Goat’s milk
• Plant-based milk substitutes such as soy milk, almond milk, or oat milk
• Formulas sold online that are imported from other countries

On March 4, 2020, Governor Gavin Newsom declared a State of Emergency in California to prepare for the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is reporting that flu activity for the 2019-2020 influenza season remains high and is expected to continue spreading.

We understand that you may have concerns about the the flu and/or respiratory illnesses. Your family’s health is our priority. We want to share information with you about how we continue to operate safely.

Steps we’re taking

• We are monitoring information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and federal, state and local agencies to ensure the steps we are taking comply with the latest recommendations and guidance.
• We are communicating regularly with our employees to keep them informed and to ensure their health and safety and that of our participants.
• WIC centers have been given hand sanitizer for use by both employees and participants.
• We are taking extra precaution to wipe down surfaces in WIC centers to maintain a safe and sanitary environment.
• We are encouraging WIC employees to stay home if they are ill.
• We are encouraging participants to complete their appointments online at wiconlineeducation.org or reschedule their appointments if they are ill.

Steps you can take

• Stay informed. The CDC website is a reliable source for information: Coronavirus – How to Protect Yourself and Others.
• Stay home if you are sick. If you have an upcoming WIC appointment, call or text us to reschedule. You may also be eligible to complete your appointment online at wiconlineeducation.org to have your benefits loaded to your card from home.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
• Clean and disinfect objects and surfaces.
• If you have traveled outside of the United States or had close contact with someone who recently traveled abroad and was sick, contact your health provider. Avoid public spaces until you are cleared by your medical provider.

More about COVID-19

Coronaviruses usually cause an upper respiratory tract illness like the common cold. The new strain is associated with a range of symptoms from milk fever to cough and shortness of breath, or pneumonia (lower respiratory tract illness).

There is no specific treatment or vaccine for COVID-19 at this time. Most infected people will recover on their own.

As COVID-19 is new, this is an evolving situation and we will continue to provide updates as they become available.

Learn more about COVID-19 here: Coronavirus – How to Protect Yourself and Others 

Here is a quick reference guide about what you need to know about the novel (new) Coronavirus:

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冠狀病毒資料便覽: 敬請注意以下事項。

PHFE WIC and CinnaMoms recognizes that providing safe cultural spaces to promote equity for Black women can create healthy conversations across the life course. The CinnaMoms brand provides a platform to share and support breastfeeding, parenting, and health equity for the Black family. With the help of our partners, CinnaMoms staff were excited to partner with St. Andrews Place WIC to celebrate Black History Month 2020!

The staff did an amazing job with décor, planning and execution under the leadership of Supervisor, Alejandra and Eddie. Shout-out to staff members, Daisy and Liz for your “Diva of Black History Month” design, and kudos to the entire staff at St. Andrews Place WIC for a job well done.

Eddie and Rodasha were MC’s who set the stage for the event. Beautiful CinnaMoms tote bags were given to participants upon arrival. Families visited several community partners including Dental, Welcome Baby, Black Infant Health, HealthNet, and L.A. Care. Attendees enjoyed a fun breastfeeding game, led by Wanda. Families expressed their 2020 goals via a thought-provoking “vision board” session led by Sharen. Administrative staff, Kiran, Morgan, Valerie, Pina, and Tonce presented the awards to honorees and partners. Belen and our videographer, Jeremy, took amazing photos and audio interviews of participants and honorees. The event was catered by a community partner and the desserts were curated by St. Andrews Place WIC staff.

Awards were granted to individuals in the following categories:

CinnaMoms Advocacy Award – Glenisha Cargin

CinnaMoms Breastfeeding Achievement Award – Ashly Coleman

CinnaMoms Breastfeeding Recognition Award – Vashti Stoner

Janice Payne Peer Counselor Award – Princess Rhonda Clayton & Jessica V. Estrada

CinnaMoms Maternal Health Pioneer – Josephine Easter

Congratulations to all the honorees!

Special thanks to the planning committee members: Valerie Bradford,  Rodasha Scott, Judith Rangel, Kelly Bennett, Belen Rediet, Pina Hernandez, Veronica Ramos-Castruita, Claudia Merida-Bustillos, Ilanna J. Trayber, Wanda Kenlow, Morgan Ervin, Alejandra Flores, Sharon Anthony, and Toncé Jackson.

For more event photos visit us at www.cinnamoms.org and follow us on Instagram CinnaMoms_