This post is from someone who wishes to remain anonymous.... Please respond
to the list. Kathleen


Kathleen Bruce RN BSN IBCLC
Lactation Resources of Vermont, Medela, Inc. Listowner Lactnet
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I'd like to share some thoughts which might shed some light on a phenonmenon
largely restricted to the US, and WIC's contribution to the EP situation. As
an IBCLC who has spent more than 6 years working at several WIC offices, its
been my personal observation that pumps are issued to almost every woman who
declares herself to be breastfeeding, even if she only latched the baby
once, in the hospital. WIC includes pumps and BF gadgets, such as nipple
shields, in their BF budget, and it is my strongly held opinion that such
gadgets, including pumps, are dispersed all too freely, and at almost every
occurence of a BF "problem", in lieu of offering professional (read IBCLC)
observation and assistance. Often, these dyads are issued formula, along
with a pump or other gadget, before they even see a peer counselor. I am
suggesting that WIC is using their BF budget to supply women with pumps and
gadgets rather than actually hiring an IBCLC. Once a woman is issued a pump,
the milk has to be delivered by some other means than the breast, or the
purpose of pumping is negated, of course. This is so detrimental to direct
breastfeeding that the entire practice astounds me, especially considering
the vast percentage of women participating in the WIC program and the fact
that formula is the highest cost of the entire system. Why, oh why, does WIC
not employ an IBCLC at every office? 

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