> > 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 it would happen again if all formula was withdrawn or if with counseling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?

I will admit that it seems hypocritical to offer free formula to moms who
have no physical reason not to breastfeed. However, we have all known of
well-educated moms with great support systems who were not able to
breastfeed because of sabotage from the hospital, health care providers, day
care providers, or mother-in-laws. Women who *want* to breastfeed, but find
their reality dishes up too many obstacles. You can't assume that a mom on
assistance, with little or no choice regarding her health care provider and
financial situations that may force them to take work (and *many* WIC moms
work) where their employer might not be all that supportive of anything that
interferes with his schedule (and I know there are laws regarding
breastfeeding and employment, but women are not always in a position to
challenge their employer), is in a position to overcome all those obstacles
just because there is no financial incentive to use formula. Women on
assistance have families and husbands who may not be as supportive as we'd
all like, just like other women do. It's a little degrading that we might
think a mom on assistance will choose not to breastfeed *just* because some
formula is available at the same price. Are we going to assume she will buy
soda instead of broccoli because it's cheaper? What happened to providing
information and trusting women to know what's best for their families? You
know, informed consent? I think our job is to try to create an environment
where it is *practical* to breastfeed and to continue to encourage moms to
give their children the best available.

Off my soapbox...

Cheri Singleton
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