I have really enjoyed the "WIC/when formula is zero" thread. I am a WIC
breastfeeding Peer Counselor. Because Peer Counselors in my office are also
mother who are or have been on the WIC program I have been able to see both
the client side and the WIC side of things.

I was a BF mom for 3 years before I enrolled in the WIC program so WIC
didn't influence my personal BF choices. However, with the moms I support
now I do see some that are influenced by the free ABM and some who are very
pro-BF.  For those considering FF I always respectfully remind them of the
risks and cost involved. 

Someone on this board brought up the idea of offering a "bigger" incentive
to BF moms to make their package equal to that of a FF one. I go back and
forth on this. In the end I am not sure more incentives would get a mom to
truly dedicate herself to BFing. Rewards and "bribes" most likely won't lead
to a mom intrinsically choosing to FF or BF. I think the decision only comes
from self-motivation and education. If such an incentive system were in
place many mothers would figure out how to abuse the system anyhow. However,
I would like to see equality in the FF and BF packages regardless. 

Our WIC office (in Vancouver, WA) has used some of our budget for the new
WIC N'Style pump program. Mothers returning to work or school full time who
are committed to exclusively BF (and BF up to 1 year) can get their own
medela pump to keep. I think this is an excellent program that helps many
moms but it certainly doesn't evenly compensate all BF moms. For moms that
choose to stay home or don't have a need for a pump, they receive no extra
incentives.  However, I must admit that with all the moms I work with none
of them has ever stuck with BF just to get the pump. So I don't consider the
pump to be an incentive. Also, there has already been some abuse with the
pump program (moms getting one and then requesting a full FF package the
next month, etc.)

I am always saddened by the low BF rates among WIC clients (I am sure free
ABM has something to do with it, but not entirely). One problem I do see is
inconsistent info amongst WIC staff, classes and support people. Because
moms see a nutritionist or certifier long before they talk to a Peer
Counselor, WIC staff needs to be on the same page regarding BF info. Even in
my personal WIC appointments I have been appalled at the BF info given or
the lack of support for extended BF (heaven forbid the child want BM over
cow's milk).

I appreciate the post that had links to view the changing federal guidelines
and I will be checking those out soon. As BF support professionals what I
believe we can do to support WIC staff and BF moms is to: offer to speak at
WIC BF events, be involved in any BF coalitions/community groups and
encourage local WIC staff to do the same, be involved in WIC staff training
if possible, give WIC a community BF resources page they can share with
clients, offer prenatal classes to those with medical coupons, remind WIC
offices of local LLL meetings and create simple brochures for WIC clients.




Melissa Cole, WIC Peer Counselor, LLLL

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