What I didn't get at in my initial post on the large subsidy paid to
formula companies through the WIC budget was the lack of money given to
breastfeeding promotion.
Yes, WIC does provide better nutrition than other liquids, but, it is
only adequate nutrition.  Not good nutrition.

I'm not advocating doing away with all formula at WIC.  What I'm saying
is that if a small percentage of the $1.3 billion subsidy given to
formula companies was given to breastfeeding support and promotion
instead,  what would that get us?  Let's say $300,000 (leaving $1
billion) was put into hiring FT IBCLCs.  That might get the WIC offices
across the US 8,000-10,000 LCs!  WOW!  Now, if the federal government put
$1 BILLION into breastfeeding promotion and support what would that do to
the breastfeeding rates??????

I truly believe most members of congress do not get this picture because
no one has pointed it out.  I also believe that many members of congress
would be happy to support something like this because we CAN show them
that it's cost effective.  The issue is that we haven't taken the time
and energy involved (which is a lot) to mount an effective campaign
geared toward our elected officials.


Johanna Berger, LSW
Breastfeeding Counselor
Bala Cynwyd, PA
Talk doesn't cook rice - Chinese proverb

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