In the 30 years or so I have been associated with the WIC program (both as a new mom/participant and an IBCLC), the current status of lack of formula in the nation has never been this dire.  We saw it coming when the recall of a specific brand first hit the news - and from what I have been reading - the situation will get worse before it gets better.  The relationship with WIC and formula companies is complicated - intertwined with government oversight, long-standing "agreements" with only a few formula companies via rebates, awarded "contracts" and yes, lobbyists from the dairy industry.  Also part of the puzzle is the supply of ingredients for said formula, a pandemic that shut down much of the country, fewer workers at the manufacturing plant- we could go on and on.  That said, there will always be a demand for formula - for those who can't provide breastmilk (foster families, mixed relationship families, medically-indicated need for it) as well as those who just don't want to breastfeed.  Such was the case today in my office.  On a phone call with a pregnant mother of two other children, we had a brief discussion of breastfeeding - "what are your plans?" "I don't plan on breastfeeding - it is not for us - we are a busy family with lots to do" was her answer.  I will (and did) leave it at that. 
Tina Lavy
IBCLC, California

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