Sherry (jberry),  I'm also in support of moms breastfeeding for 2 years or
longer, as I myself did, but by the time babies are a year old they are given
there own package of WIC foods and even though their mother's milk is
important (very), it's no longer needed that it be their only source in
nutrition and mother's are usually nursing less often than they did in the
first months.  All I'm saying is that I don't think the government needs to
provide food packages for nursing moms beyond 12 months.  When I tell my moms
about breastfeeding I let them know that breastfeeding is valuable and
encouraged even though we are only allowed to give them checks for themselves
until their child reaches a year of breastfeeding.  My breastfeeding moms are
important to me and I am on call to them (every pregnant and breastfeeding
WIC mom is supposed to be given my home number as well as  my work number)
all the time wheneve they need some suppport or have a problem.  I also was
one of the first agencies in my state to have a Peer Counselor program (I was
involved in the pilot study to test the effectiveness of peer counselors on
breastfeeding).  I just think enough is enough.  The government gives too
much to some where it's not needed as  much and not enough to others when it
is needed  more.
Jill Meltzer, R.N.
Breastfeeding Coordinator
WIC