In a message dated 97-10-03 07:32:53 EDT, Kathy Dettwyler writes:

<< How about purchasing $5.00 gift certificates for local restaurants to be
given out to [WIC] moms who are still breastfeeding, once per month??  Maybe
you
could even get the restaurants to donate the gift certificates?  Or a "baby
closet" with toys, clothes, blankets, etc. that a mom could choose something
from for each visit that she comes to while she is still breastfeeding?  Or
get a local beauty salon to donate a haircut, style, or manicure as rewards
for the mom for nursing til a certain time -- like the 4 month mark.  How
about a big party (held periodically) for all moms who are still
breastfeeding at six months, at one year, at 1.5 years, at 2.0 years.  I
guess I'm a big believer in bribes and rewards.>>

WIC of San Mateo has been distributing layettes (made by the Red Cross) to
mothers who initiate breastfeeding.  They also distribute donated goodies to
mothers who continue breastfeeding.  The only problem has been establishing a
steady stream of donations to ensure that every mother who continues to
breastfeed gets a premium of some sort.  Anne Garrett, RN, IBCLC (also a
Lactnut) is in charge of the program.  She can be reached at
[log in to unmask] if you have anything to donate (hint, hint).  Guess where
I sent the brand new outfits my children outgrew before wearing?

The San Mateo WIC also has a bulletin board featuring lovely photos of WIC
moms and their babies, each bearing the caption "100% breastfed!"  The walls
of the clinic are papered with pro breastfeeding posters in English and
Spanish---really a nice place to visit.

Best wishes,
Rita
LLL of Menlo Park/Palo Alto, California