Health Professionals and Community Partners
Working with WIC
WIC is proud to offer healthy foods and experts in nutrition, health, and breastfeeding to assist families at critical periods of growth and development. CDPH/WIC Division counts on health care providers to refer WIC-eligible families to the WIC Program.
Whether you work in a hospital, the community or a clinic, WIC is here to help your patient population!
WIC Outreach Materials
- California Families Grow Healthy with WIC | Spanish
- Outreach Materials Order Form for CA Non-WIC Programs Only
WIC Breastfeeding Support Services
- Alameda County Breastfeeding Support Guide (Revised 1/2021)
PDF: English/Spanish | English/Chinese - About Regional Breastfeeding Liaison (RBL) Program
- Partnering with RBL Program
- WIC Breastfeeding Support Services
Therapeutic Formula
A WIC participant may have a medical condition and need therapeutic formula that is not a WIC contract formula. Therapeutic formulas should be covered by the WIC participant's health plan when the clinician provides adequate medical justification. Should a WIC participant be denied therapeutic formula coverage by his or her health plan (Medi-Cal or other health insurance), the WIC Program may provide the therapeutic formula.
Clinical Guidelines and References
- California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Guidance for Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women During the COVID-19 Pandemic
- The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine (ABM)
- Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed)
- Infant Risk Center – Dr. Thomas Hale
Breastfeeding Research and Data
- California Departmnt of Public Health
- California WIC Association
- CDC Breastfeeding Report Card, United States 2020
- CDC Maternity Practices in Infant Nutrition Care (mPINC) Survey
Resources for Hospitals
All mothers should receive breastfeeding guidance and information.
California law (Hospital Infant Feeding Act) requires all hospitals with a perinatal unit to have an infant-feeding policy that promotes breastfeeding guidance according to standards set by the California Department of Public Health.
"All hospitals providing maternity care shall make available a breastfeeding consultant or alternatively, provide information to the on where to receive breast feeding information". (AB 977)
- World Health Organization (WHO) Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding (revised 2018) – Critical Management Procedures and Key clinical Practices
- California Laws Guiding Hospital Policies and Practices
- Breastfeeding Model Hospital Policies
- Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative - USA
- 10 Steps and the International Code – World Health Organization
- Breastfeeding Hospital Quality Improvement
Referral Forms
- WIC Pediatric Referral Form
Referral form to be completed by the child’s health care provider. - WIC Referral for Pregnant Woman
Referral form to be completed by health care provider, to refer pregnant women to WIC. - WIC Referral for Post-Partum/Breastfeeding Woman
Fax completed forms to 510-595-6440