Thanks, Nikki, for reminding us that a kickback is a kickback.  

I remember that big push in the 90s -- I particularly remember being startled by breastfeeding stickers on bucket seats but you know, I noticed them & so did others & those mothers had talking points wherever they hauled those buckets!  

As you say, all things can be corrupted unless we are vigilant and frankly I see new reasons to consider vigilance in surprising corners of lactation support.  We should all look around and try to see with fresh eyes.

Susan Johnson MFA, IBCLC
Salt Lake City, Utah USA


------------------------------

Date:    Tue, 6 Mar 2012 12:28:14 -0500
From:    Nikki Lee <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Re: Kickbacks

Dear Lactnet Friends:

Right Lissa; we are saying the same thing and quibbling a bit over the
terminology.

" The WIC program receives a rebate....This allows the WIC program to
serve more families" because the money from the rebate goes to provide WIC
services.  In other words, the more formula WIC distributes, the more
services WIC can provide.

It was a WIC director to whom I directed my question, once I understood the
mechanism.  I asked "Isn't that a kickback?" and she replied, "Yes."

If WIC's breastfeeding programs were truly supported by our government,
such "rebates/kickbacks"  would disappear. As it stands now, the US
Government is the world's leading purchaser of breastmilk substitutes, and
the WIC program has been identified as a barrier to breastfeeding since the
GAO report of 2003.

WIC didn't start out that way. In the 1990s, WIC was single-handedly
responsible for the increase in US breastfeeding rates. All things can be
corrupted unless we are vigilant. Like brushing our teeth, we have to do it
every day; doing a great job brushing on Sunday still means having to do it
on Monday.

             ***********************************************

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