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Date: | Wed, 12 Jun 1996 11:50:14 CDT |
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Hello, I have been off Lactnet for a while so, will briefly
reintroduce myself. I am the breastfeeding coordinator for the
Minnesota WIC Program, and happy to report that our breastfeeding
initiation rates are steadily climbing (although not as fast as I
would like). Our biggest challenge is early cessation--many women
quit breastfeeding in the first week, often before the WIC staff learn
that the baby has been born. We are working on strategies for
anticipatory guidance and support in this early postpartum period,
including communicating and coordinating with others in the community
who also work to promote and support breastfeeding. We have had
meetings throughout the state for staff from hospitals, clinics, WIC,
other public health, LLL, and others to meet and share
information--this has helped all of us with coordination of services
and increased understanding between programs. (It is easy for
misinformation to lead to misunderstanding.)
I have been set on "no mail" for a while, so don't have the thread on
WIC paying for breastpumps from the start, but in response to the post
from 6/11, check with the WIC program in your community on what they
are doing for breastfeeding promotion and support. Some programs have
pumps available, others do not. WIC has limited resources (ie $) and
programs make decisions on how to promote and support breastfeeding
based on what they feel will be most effective, and what their budget
will support. In Minnesota, WIC has a limited number of manual pumps
available. Staff provide a pump to a postpartum woman after helping
her evaluate her need for a pump. (Not all women need a pump!) Also
some hospitals in our state routinely provide manual pumps to
breastfeeding women before discharge.
FYI some working families meet WIC income requirements. WIC income
limits are 185% of poverty (various levels based on family size). If
you think someone might qualify for WIC, refer them and WIC will do
the income screen.
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