May 17, 2024

SWEB Roll Out Next Week

The WIC program is moving to a new MIS system on 5/21/24. There are a few reminders we would like to provide to all staff.

• Please be logged out of Spirit Desktop (current version) by 6 PM on Monday 5/20/24. This will help the staff make sure that all the conversions go smoothly.
• Remember to close certifications by the end of the day 5/20, tableau report here: https://dataportal.mt.gov/#/site/HHSWIC/views/IncompleteCertifications/IncompleteCerts-PastMonth?:iid=4 [linkprotect.cudasvc.com]
• Staff must contact local IT to install scanner drivers prior to 5/21 or your scanner will not work with SWEB.
• Two-factor authentication will occur for every login.
• Calendar settings will transfer over to SWEB. If you want to build out your calendar in desktop, we recommend having that done by Monday 5/20.
• If issues arise next week, please email WICHelp@mt.gov this is monitored by staff. We will work on getting back to everyone as quickly as possible. Please DO NOT ‘phone hop’ by calling staff directly until someone answers.
• There is an open office time set for Friday May 17^th from 11-1. If you would like to jump on and ask any questions, please feel free.  (Zoom link: https://mt-gov.zoom.us/j/83941551795?pwd=dFdMZEdDV1lSeUxHUS9wR1dGTmYwUT09 [mt-gov.zoom.us])

Finally, there will be SWEB office hours at noon daily for local agencies to jump on and ask questions starting May 21^st. This will be an opportunity for staff to ask questions that may not require immediate assistance. (zoom link- https://mt-gov.zoom.us/j/87176206574?pwd=b3lGREpmWlU0ckdnRWZJS2x2Y1RBdz09 [mt-gov.zoom.us])

Milestone Pamphlets Are Here!

The new version of the Milestone pamphlets are in at the state office. If you have been trying to order these in the last couple of months, please submit a new order form to the montanawicprogram@mt.gov email! 

WIC 50th Fun Fact

This year (FY 2024), three MPR WIC agencies, Nebraska, South Dakota and Rosebud Sioux, will be among the first WIC Programs to ever offer Online Shopping as a means for program participants to remotely transact their WIC benefits in exchange for their supplemental foods.

Weekly Risk Code Highlight

Risk Code 131 – Low Maternal Weight Gain

Defined as:

1. A low rate of weight gain, such that in the 2^nd and 3^rd trimesters, for singleton pregnancies:

Pre-pregnancy Weight Classification        BMI              Total Weight Gain (lbs/wk)

Underweight                                                  <18.5                                         < 1

Normal Weight                                               18.5 to 24.9                               < 0.8

Overweight                                                     25.0 to 29.9                               < 0.5

Obese                                                             ≥ 30.0                                         <0.4

Multi-fetal Pregnancies                                 See Justification for more information.

2. Low weight gain at any point in pregnancy, such that using a National Academies of Sciences, Medicine, and Engineering (NASEM) based weight gain grid, a pregnant woman’s weight plots at any point beneath the bottom line of the appropriate weight gain range for her respective pre-pregnancy weight category as follows:

Pre-pregnancy Weight Classification         BMI       Total Weight Gain Range (lbs)

Underweight                                                < 18.5                        28 - 40

Normal Weight                                            18.5 to 24.9               25 - 35

Overweight                                                  25.0 to 29.9               15 - 25

Obese                                                          ≥ 30.0                       11- 20

Multi-fetal Pregnancies                               See Justification for more information.

What WIC Can Do:

WIC services can improve the birth outcomes for women who experience low maternal weight gain during pregnancy. These outcomes can be improved by the supplemental food, nutrition education, and referrals provided to participants by the WIC Program.

Staff can assist pregnant women in the following ways:

• Carefully assessing the health status, dietary intake, and concerns of the woman in a participant-centered manner to find out possible factors contributing to low weight gain.
• Encouraging women to eat smaller, more frequent meals with snacks if they are struggling with appetite or nausea.
• Discussing healthy, high calorie snack option, if appropriate. To include nutrition tailoring of the food package for higher caloric WIC foods.
• Educating pregnant women on the importance of appropriate weight gain during pregnancy.
• Referring to the health care provider if the pregnant woman has been diagnosed with or is suspected of having hyperemesis gravidarum.
  • In this case, providing pregnant women with medical formula and supplemental foods as prescribed by the medical provider.
• Providing additional referrals to health care providers and/or other services based on concerns of the woman.