KU nurse promotes infant nutrition

Sallie Page-Goertz, MN, CPNP, IBCLC, plans to use her breastfeeding knowledge to shape the government’s Women Infant and Children program.

Page-Goertz, a pediatric nurse practitioner  with the University of Kansas Pediatrics, recently accepted a three-year appointment on the agriculture department’s National Advisory Council on Maternal, Infant and Fetal Nutrition. This council advises the department on policy standards and guidelines for programs such as WIC.

Page-Goertz said she wants to use her breastfeeding knowledge to encourage women in the WIC program to breastfeed and also to let women who breastfeed know they can benefit from WIC.

“WIC is known as a place to get formula,” Page-Goertz said.

But the perception of WIC as a place solely for formula is changing.

“WIC has worked really hard to promote breastfeeding,” Page-Goertz said.

WIC currently provides protein-rich foods to mothers who breastfeed up to one year post-partum. These items include canned fish, legumes and peanut butter. WIC participants also receive milk, juice, breakfast cereal, cheese, eggs and vouchers for fruits and vegetables.

As a member of the advisory council Page-Goertz will offer advice to shape what items are included in WIC food packages.

The National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners nominated Page-Goertz for this position.

“We as an organization nominated her based on her skills and background and clinical expertise,” association spokeswoman Felicia Taylor said. “We selected her because of her expertise in breastfeeding and lactation.”

Page-Goertz said she wants the WIC program to promote breastfeeding because of the benefits breast milk provides.

“Formula-fed babies do not develop as quickly,” Page-Goertz said. “I really try to frame breastfeeding as the normal way of feeding a baby.”

In 2007, WIC revised its food packages to align with dietary guidelines. These changes reduced the amount of dairy items WIC participants receive and increased the amount of whole grains, fruits and vegetables.

“(WIC) began as a way to support the dairy industry,” Page-Goertz said. “The federal government is one of the biggest buyers of dairy products to support the WIC program and the food stamp program.”

Page-Goertz said she looks forward to discussions about how to improve the food packages the WIC program provides and promote infant and child nutrition.

The 24-member advisory counsel includes WIC parent participants, an obstetrician, a pediatrician and food industry representatives.

“I’m excited about this appointment and I feel honored to do this,” Page-Goertz said. “This really has the opportunity to affect the whole nation.”

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