The WIC breastfeeding programs have been increasing and improving for many  
years along with less formula given to families.  I use the WIC LCs and  
breastfeeding counselors for support after the mothers leave the hospital  because 
they are already connected to the family and many times has the staff  who can 
speak their native non-English language.
The WIC programs in Massachusetts are working hard to promote breastfeeding  
prior to delivery and postpartum but there is still one big hurdle.  Many  of 
these mothers don't want to commit to breastfeeding, especially exclusively  
because they want their free formula.
I have worked with women who are Hispanic, Asian, and African that repeat  
the same things; formula represents a social status and sign of wealth.  In  the 
countries they came from formula was hard to come by and required extra  
money.  Here is the USA we give it away.  I had a Cambodian father  just tell me 
that breastfeeding was for the poor.  I have mothers leaving  the hospital 
engorged, expressing and throwing their milk away then demanding  extra formula.  
:-(  
I let the WIC staff know but their hands are tied, if a mother states she  is 
formula feeding they cannot deny her the formula.
I blame the government on this one.  I would rather see what other  countries 
do for mothers.  Offering more food to these families is not  the enticement 
to stop this mind set.
I know that my dreams of cutting the formula program down to next to  nothing 
in the WIC program is a pipe dream but I can always hope.
Not giving up.
Ann Perry, RN IBCLC
Boston, MA

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