WIC Works Resource System
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Women Strong!
What better way to celebrate moms in May than to help them make their health a priority? Take advantage of National Women’s Health Week (NWHW) – May 8-14 – to serve as a reminder to protect their physical and mental health and overall well-being. This is especially important during the continuing coronavirus pandemic since those with underlying health conditions, such as hypertension, diabetes, or obesity, can be at greater risk for severe illness from COVID-19.
CDC offers suggestions and resources to talk with health providers, get active, enjoy a healthy and balanced diet, prioritize mental health, and practice healthy behaviors. Find other resources under these topics:
Physical Activity
- Physical Activity Resources from Move Your Way (available in Spanish), including those for during and after pregnancy, activity planners, and other materials.
- Find these and other resources, including an opportunity to become an influencer, on our Physical Fitness and Sports Month page.
Healthy Eating
- Tips for Pregnant Moms and Tips for Breastfeeding Moms (both available in English and Spanish)
- MyPlate – consumer resources such as quizzes, apps, other digital tools, and recipes
- What Do I Do With – a series featuring a collection of recipes, tips and ideas to help participants prepare WIC eligible foods that may be new or unfamiliar to them
- Folic Acid Resources – education materials and information resources (be sure to check out the Eye on Nutrition series noted below that features this nutrient)
- WIC Meals of the Month – a nutrient-themed recipe collection to help address specific nutrient needs, highlight the importance of specific nutrients to the WIC population, and assist participants in using the foods in their food packages
- Eye on Nutrition – a collection of informational and educational resources in each edition that focus on nutrients important for the WIC population
- Nutrition While Breastfeeding – a resource for moms found on the WIC Breastfeeding Support website
- Portion Distortion – information, quizzes, and resources such as Portion Size Matters to complement discussions about the importance of portion control, weight management, and physical activity
COVID-19 Vaccine During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Evidence about the safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy and breastfeeding has been growing. Data suggest that the benefits of receiving a COVID-19 vaccine outweigh any known or potential risks of vaccination.
Recent reports have shown that breastfeeding people who have received mRNA COVID-19 vaccines have antibodies in their breastmilk, which could help protect their babies.
Those who are pregnant and have concerns should talk with their healthcare provider. Learn more at COVID-19 Vaccines While Pregnant or Breastfeeding and COVID-19 – Breastfeeding and Pregnancy.
Mental Health
- National Mental Health Month
- Resources for Families Coping with Mental and Substance Use Disorders
- Stress and Your Health
- Other mental health and depression resources featured on WIC Works
Two out of every three caregivers in the U.S. are women. As caregivers, they are at greater risk for poor physical and mental health, including depression and anxiety. At CDC's Women, Caregiving and COVID-19, find tips to help women manage caring for themselves and others.
Individuals in need of assistance (emergent or otherwise) can use the SAMHSA Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator and MentalHealth.gov (including suicide prevention and a veterans’ crisis line) resources.
Healthy Behaviors
More Women's Health Resources
CDC’s Women’s Health pages offer resources to promote women's health, such as:
- Podcasts on topics such as Gestational Diabetes (also available in Spanish), Oral Health and Women, and more
- A Vaccinating Pregnant Women page with infographics, a video and a downloadable fact sheet (scroll down and find the link on the left-hand panel)
- Health Matters for Women, a free, monthly e-newsletter
- A list of the CDC’s Women’s Health Programs and Initiatives (including the Hear Her Campaign)
From the Office on Women's Health, find an extensive list of free, downloadable resources covering topics such as Pregnancy, Reproductive Health or Breastfeeding. Others include:
- Heart Disease and Stroke
- Fitness and Nutrition
- Violence and Safety
- …and more! Browse by Health Topic or Resource Type
American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) women can register for the Women’s Health LISTSERV, a free email newsletter to help communicate women’s health issues.
Explore the many topics and resources available on the WIC Works Resource System and WIC Breastfeeding Support sites which WIC staff can use to promote good health for pregnant, breastfeeding and postpartum participants.
