Discuss ways in which the Montreal Diet Dispensary and WIC aid and promote the health of pregnant women

Answer 1

The Montreal Diet Dispensary (MDD) serves low-income, high-risk pregnant females with nutritional assessment and intervention services. The MDD intervention strategy has four major components: (1) assess the usual dietary intake and risk profile of each pregnant woman; (2) determine individual nutritional rehabilitation needs based on results of the assessment; (3) teach clients the importance of optimal nutrition and about changes that should be made; and (4) provide regular follow-up and supervision. Studies have shown that women receiving MDD services have higher-birthweight infants, fewer low-birthweight infants, and infants with lower rates of perinatal mortality than is the case for similar women not receiving MDD services.
WIC provides nutritional assessment, education and counseling, food supplements, and access to health services to over 6 million participants. WIC serves low-income pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, and children up to 5 years of age who are at nutritional risk. Supplemental food provided to women includes milk, yogurt, vegetables, fruits, whole grain products, ready-to-eat cereals, dried beans, fruit juice, and cheese. Some programs offer vouchers for farmer's markets. Participation in WIC is related to reduced rates of iron-deficiency anemia in pregnancy, higher-birthweight infants, decreased low-birthweight infants, and lower rates of iron-deficiency anemia in women after delivery.