Extension’s Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) offers two programs to help Alabama mothers have healthy pregnancies and learn how to breastfeed their new babies.

Dr. Barbara Struempler, Extension nutritionist, says EFNEP’s Today’s Mom and Mom’s Helper programs have helped many low-income Alabama women have safer, healthier pregnancies and master the often difficult task of breastfeeding their babies.

Today’s Mom focuses on the specific nutritional needs of low-income pregnant women and new mothers. It teaches basic nutrition principles to pregnant women and teens. In a classroom-setting, women learn about foods they need for their developing babies, appropriate weight gain during pregnancy, exercise and the importance of avoiding such substances as cigarettes, alcohol and drugs. They also learn about proper baby care, breastfeeding and formula feeding. The program has helped reduce the risk of low birth weight babies born in Alabama.

Mom’s Helper, another EFNEP program, teaches new moms important skills. Originally a pilot project based in Tuscaloosa County, Mom’s Helper is now a statewide program helping pregnant women and new mothers who wish to breastfeed their babies. A program assistant visits the participating mom’s home to discuss the benefits of breastfeeding and proper nutrition for nursing moms. Mothers are shown various positions for breastfeeding and are taught about common problems that may arise.

Mom’s Helper also provides assistance in hospitals, as well as information about breastfeeding supplies and support groups.

For more information on EFNEP or either of these programs, contact your local county Extension agent.

SOURCE: Dr. Barbara Struempler, (bstruemp@aces.edu), Extension Nutritionist, Alabama Cooperative Extension System, (334) 844-2217