I must agree with Kathy Dettwyler that ending WIC formula handouts would be
a good thing in the long run.  It doesn't necessarily mean that WIC babies
will be fed Kool-Aid en masse.

What about all of the babies in countries around the world where the
Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative has been embraced?  Does the lack of
availability of formula in the hospitals and clinics doom these babies to
insufficient nutrition, a la root beer and Kool-Aid?  The statistics
certainly don't reflect such a situation.

Perhaps the reduction, and eventual elimination, of WIC formula handouts
needs to be tied to the proliferation of Baby-Friendly hospitals, to assure
support for breastfeeding during the crucial first days after birth.  Seems
appropriate for WIC to follow the direction of WHO and UNICEF in this
endeavor, in my opinion, and to work with local hospitals to accomplish
these lofty goals.

Barrett Dunn, "retired" midwife, CLC, working toward MPH
Colorado, USA

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