I read the post from Pearl Shifer with interest in 18 August Digest.  I am
the Breastfeeding Coordinator for the Delaware WIC Program and was very
surprised by this information.  I have talked to the coordinators of the
Home Visiting Program in the last few days and would like to share some
information about the program.

Visitors call upon mothers both prenatally, through a complementary
program called Smart Start, and postnatally through the Home Visiting
Program.  This young mother was interviewed for the USDA article 14-16
months after her prenatal learnng experiences.  As some of us know, time
frames are not always accurate when trying to recall when you heard what
you heard.  This mother stated to the nurse on the first visit that she
was going to bottle feed.

During her prenatal visits this mother was taught about the advantages of
breast feeding.  The nurse who visited also informed her of breastfeeding
support available to her through the WIC Program Peer Counselors, the WIC
Breastfeeding Helpline and other support groups in the community.  She,
however, remained committed to the desire to bottle feed.

Public Health nurses who make many prenatal and postpartum visits do not
use a video that supports bottle-feeding.  All of the prenatal and
postpartum programs within the Division of Public Health have purged
themselves of all formula company materials.  This mother did have other
health education contacts, including the hospital experience.

Unfortunately people remember the parts of an educational experience that
they are interested in.  If the young lady was determined to bottle feed
she needed to know how to mix formula.  Neglecting the education of these
moms, once they have "Firmly" made up their minds is as unethical as
ignoring the educational needs of the breastfeeding mom.

I do not believe that we will make any progress in the health of our next
generation if we, as health educators, do not take the forefront in
educating these young mothers on how to take care of their babies.
Breastfeeding, of course, is my major concern.  However one needs only a
few hours in the busy WIC Clinic to see that this parenting education is
needed.  I feel very strongly that mothers need to be taught not to put
rice cereal in the newborn's diet, not to give cola to the 10 month old,
not to feed jarred baby food to the two year old and of course how
breastfeeding can work for them. These moms are not necessarily learning
appropriate childcare from their community and support system.  Many of
these support systems are made up of other 14-16 year olds, not a loving
nuclear or extended family.  The Home Visiting Program is making a valuble
effort to educate.  Delaware has made a committment to Healthy Babies.