Report on WIC Role in Reducing Maternal Mortality (California WIC Association)

CWA Flash Newsletter - October 13, 2020 (Blue text=hyperlinks)

Report on WIC Role in Reducing Maternal Mortality

The National WIC Association released a report titled "The Role of WIC in Reducing Maternal Mortality." NWA’s Maternal Mortality Task Force created the report to consider ways in which maternal mortality is addressed and discussed with program participants throughout the WIC appointment, as well as explore opportunities for additional focus on the topic. The report highlights current strategies and promising suggestions for tackling maternal mortality in WIC at the local, state, and federal levels, including through breastfeeding support and education. In addition, NWA published a position paper with 12 recommendations for addressing maternal mortality in WIC. We recognize and thank Dr. Tonce Jackson, PHFE WIC, the Chair of the Task Force as well as all of the members for this important work.

From the attached position paper:

The roles that WIC plays—now and in the future—in addressing maternal mortality are paramount. As a program that serves almost 2 million low income pregnant and postpartum women, WIC is a vital mechanism to help reduce maternal mortality. WIC already devotes attention to many of the factors contributing to maternal mortality, including those relevant to the social determinants of health and health equity. However, it will involve a concerted and collaborative effort from
individuals, organizations, programs, and legislators nationwide to reduce maternal mortality and improve maternal and birth outcomes.
ACEs, historical and intergenerational trauma, institutional racism, and epigenetics, among other factors, play a role in a pregnant woman’s physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being—all of which impact the health outcome of her baby. Although WIC addresses maternal mortality in myriad ways, the program can enhance its focus through inclusiveness, staff training, direct services, and partnerships. It’s time for the US to be on par with its peer nations and end
the preventable deaths of pregnant and postpartum women nationwide.

» STAFF TRAINING
1. Increase staff awareness of maternal mortality and maternal health outcomes
2. Become culturally competent role models
3. Weave Life Course Perspective into WIC agency programs and projects
4. Acknowledge historical and intergenerational trauma
5. Educate staff on the effects of toxic stress and community trauma
6. Promote the positive impact of resilience and protective factors

9. Create Circles of Support for pregnant women and continue through postpartum
10. Promote self-advocacy
11. Incorporate staff diversity
» ADVOCACY & PARTNERSHIPS
12. Advocate for legislation

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