Many of our clients will say "both" when asked if they will breast OR
bottle feed. (Everyone should stop asking that)... Maybe they think it is
the easiest way to make everyone happy while they check each one out, or
maybe they mean "bottle," but want to say the politically correct answer.
Many say they will bottle feed because the formula is free from WIC! In
networking with our local WIC,I found that mothers tell WIC workers that
they are giving formula because the baby got it in the hospital! Lack of
empowerment, Desire to please everyone? These are epidemic issues for
women. Return to work is a big issue, too. Cultural imput can be
influential, but even if it's important in their community, if mother
insists on bottles the first few days, nipple preference can ruin
everything and be labeled "the baby didn't want to breastfeed" to friends
and family. In general we also have a lack of personal accountablity in US
society, too (think about the huge amount of litigation we have.) I think
empowerment is the key, and it would help if pregnancy were a springboard
into that journey. Changing breastfeeding into the health behavior catagory
will help, too, like vaccines, car seats, seat belts, not smoking. It looks
like this is getting closer all the time. No wonder the formula industry
feels threatened. Judy

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