Alia Heise writes:


> It is ironic that WIC supports breastfeeding this =
> way, seeing as it is almost entirely financially supported by formula =
> companies and if we actually had all WIC moms breastfeeding we wouldn't =
> have funds to even have a WIC program. F
> ***********************************************
>
>
> I agree about most of your observations about the WIC Peer counseler
> program, its a wonderful component although the quality does vary from
> program to program, and does depend on the amount of committment extended to
> the peers. I do have to take exception to the above statement.



WIC is *not* financially supported by formula companies. WIC is funded by
federal and sometimes state monies. WIC *pays* the formula companies to
provide formula to WIC Moms, they don't pay us. It *is* true that we get a
rebate for the contract formula, but WIC paid an amount greater than the
rebate money for the formula in the first place. Much has improved, as when
I first worked for WIC 20 years ago, the formula companies came and wooed
us, just like they do the MD's and hospitals. Now that is not allowed, they
are prohibited from visiting WIC Programs and marketing to WIC.

WIC would be less expensive to run if all the mom's breastfed, therefore
part of the reason for increase in breastfeeding promotion, training and
peers in recent years on the part of the Feds.

June Eastman, BS, M.Ed, IBCLC
Lawrence Massachusetts WIC Program

             ***********************************************

To temporarily stop your subscription: set lactnet nomail
To start it again: set lactnet mail (or digest)
To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet
All commands go to [log in to unmask]

The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned
LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(R)
mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to:
http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html