This feature is part of a series highlighting NWA’s Business Council Partners - private and public companies that have chosen to join forces with NWA to ensure the success of the WIC Program. Each of our Business Council Partners values the WIC Program and is an essential part of our community. To find out more about these vital partners, please visit our website.
This month’s NWA Business Council Partner of the month is Medela. You can reach them by contacting Bonnie Voigt at Bonnie.Voigt@medela.com or 815-578-2459. Their website is http://www.medela.us/.
How long have you been a Business Council Partner of the National WIC Association?
Medela has been serving WIC agencies for more than 20 years, holding 35 separate statewide contracts and supporting business relationships with WIC agencies in every state across the nation. Medela has served as a Business Council Partner for the NWA for the past nine years.
Why did Medela decide to become a Business Council Partner?
At Medela, we support moms every step of the way – through their pregnancy, in the hospital and at home so they can give the best to their baby, every day. As a Business Council Member, Medela is proud to collaborate with the National WIC Association and its membership to ensure the continuing success of the WIC program.
Tell us a little about your role at Medela.
Medela exists to enhance mother and baby health through the life-giving benefits of human milk.
What do you wish NWA’s members and community knew about Medela?
Every year, more than one million mothers in the U.S. rely on Medela’s technology. As the #1 breast pump brand*, Medela provides the best in research-based breast milk feeding products and clinical education to support moms breast milk feeding journey.
Medela advocates for moms and babies to ensure a successful breast milk feeding journey and impact the long-term health of future generations and benefit the economic health of our society. To that end, Medela offers free educational resources and support such as MedelaAtWork.com, AskTheLC.com, and the MyMedela app to help moms be successful in reaching their breast milk feeding goals.
The support of breast milk feeding in policy has helped to change the conversation about breastfeeding in our culture. Working moms are empowered to talk to their employers about their needs, and employers are enabled with solutions to support their working mom employees. The importance of moms’ care circle has become an established part of the breast milk feeding bond, and there are ongoing efforts to improve disparities in breast milk feeding across the United States with initiatives, like Black Breastfeeding Week, National Breastfeeding Month and others.
**QuintilesIMS ProVoice Survey; Nov-Oct 2016.
Where do you see Medela’s mission and WIC's mission intersecting?
Medela and WIC are committed to supporting the immediate and long-term health of every mom and baby across the country. Medela participated in the 2015 National WIC Association Leadership Conference and Breastfeeding Summit in Washington, DC, which focused on Federal initiatives affecting the health and nutritional well-being of WIC mothers and young children. Medela took part in these discussions as a strong advocate and WIC partner.
What’s your favorite thing about WIC?
At Medela, we value the passion shown for and support provided to those participating in WIC programs and services. We are proud of our partnership, and believe the education provided is incomparable and is essential to ensure a health family.