HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — State health officials are expanding their offerings to mothers on the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program, including 24/7 telehealth support. Alabama Department of Public Health says the new option is provided through a partnership with Pacify Health through one streamlined app at no cost to the mother.
The app will connect moms to a nationwide network of International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLC’s), as well as access to local WIC clinics.
"Pacify services will be such a great resource for our WIC participants," said Natalie Clements, RDN. "I know that moms will be so thankful to have this level of support at their fingertips when breastfeeding complications arise!”
In addition to the app, Alabama WIC has an array of breastfeeding peer counselors who have personal experience and train to provide encouragement and one-to-one support to WIC moms.
Health officials believe this access may help reduce cases of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, one of the three leading causes of infant mortality in the state.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that, among infants born in 2019, slightly more than 71 percent of infants in Alabama were ever breastfed, compared with greater than 83 percent across the United States. Less than 40 percent of Alabama infants were exclusively breastfed at 3 months, and less than 38 percent were still breastfeeding at 6 months.
Alabama WIC participants who would like to access virtual infant feeding support through Pacify can contact their local Alabama WIC clinic or call the Alabama WIC Program state office in Montgomery toll free at 888-WIC-HOPE (888-942-4673). All Alabama WIC participants are eligible.