Division of Community Nutrition

Subject: Exit Counseling Session for Women Policy: NEd 08.0 Reference: SFP 94-142 Effective: August 12, 2013 Supersedes: July 2, 2007

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I. Policy:

The local agency shall offer an exit nutrition counseling session to all women during their final certification period, breastfeeding or postpartum, with the VA WIC Program.

II. Procedure(s):

A. The exit counseling session shall reinforce important health messages previously presented, with emphasis on:

1) Make healthy food choices

2) Consume adequate folic acid

3) Consider breastfeeding as the preferred method of infant feeding

4) Follow recommended schedule for immunizations for herself and her children

5) Know the health risks associated with alcohol, tobacco and drug use

B. The exit counseling session and the brochure “Make Healthy Choices for You and Your Family” shall be given during the women’s breastfeeding or postpartum certification period.

C. All of the exit counseling topics should be verbally addressed during the counseling session, however; the discussion should be tailored to the participant’s needs.

D. The information provided in the exit counseling contact shall not be substituted for nutrition education that addresses specific risk factors, but shall be provided in addition to more risk-specific nutrition education.

E. The exit counseling session shall be documented in Care Plan summary screen of the Care Plan section of Crossroads.