> As far as choice, they can =
>formula feed if they wish. They will just have to buy it. I don't like =
>the idea that choice means that there are equal options. That impels us =
>make those lists that we line up side by side. This is not a choice =
>between equal options. When we give free formula, no matter how =
>wonderful the breastfeeding program is, we are, I think, degrading =
>women. We are telling them. It is OK for your babies to have second =
>best. We don't want you to grow and increase your self esteem. We don't =
>care if your babies are not as healthy and not as smart.  If we are =
>really interested in the health of mothers, babies and children, we will =
>stop giving free formula.
Oh boy I really agree with what you are saying and yet...when I give the
same argument here is what is the typical response and it some ways I
guess it has some merit and cause to pause before acting.  This is what
they say:  although we know it's not an equal choice if we eliminate
formula we risk infant health even further because what seems logical to
you and I (ie: they will just have to buy their own formula) doesn't
happen.  In reality what happens is mom's substitute even more inferior
products such as giving koolaid and colas and using regular milk or
perhaps buying the formula but diluting incorrectly to STRETCH it.  This
my dear friends is the reality..certainly we can't risk that happening
again (when WIC first came into being this is what was happening in these
low income communities).  Perhaps though they were not educated that they
could produce the absolute best for their babies for FREE!  I wonder if
it would happen again if all formula was withdrawn or if with counseling
mom's would opt to breastfeed..hmmmmmm?

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