Thank you Judy!
I, too, feel that some of our WIC population does not feel they can have a
successful breastfeeding relationship without a breast pump.  We have been
making more of an effort to teach them how to hand express.  When we do have
to give out a pump we work very hard to educate them about the mechanics of
pumping.  We are most cognizant of the fact that when some Moms aren't able
to pump a bottle full in a sitting, some feel they don't have enough milk
thus end up supplementing.  We try to combat that problem with educating
them before handing them the pump. Catherine, alot of my patients also have
jobs in very difficult environments. I try to work intensively with them
before they go back to the job on expressing and stockpiling in the freezer.
I work with them mentally because attitude is everything!  I tell them that
regardless how difficult the situation looks that they CAN work and
breastfeed!  Sometimes that might mean both of us getting in touch with
their employer by phone to explain the situation and to brainstorm about
private places to express while away from baby.  I am always amazed how
just working this situation out before returning to work actually helps them
to feel more relaxed about returning to work and bf relationship.

I am not on WIC but, I am grateful for the program.  I have seen how it
helps.  It is very rare I actually see any abuse of the program by the
breastfeeding Moms.  I,too, pay lots of taxes because my husband is self
employed.  I don't like how quickly abm is given out but I am doing my part
to make sure all the facts are there concerning making the choice to bf.  I
consider the money put forth from WIC toward the promotion of bf whether it
be in the form of packages that offer more food or etc. an investment in our
future. Sure there may be some abuse but, I think the abuse is minute in
comparison to the many happy and healthy individuals that have benefited
from this program.

I do have a pet peeve about how these young women are treated in the stores
by store employees when they present their checks. I also don't like how
other customers blow out loud about the check out process taking a few extra
minutes. I have heard numerous complaints from our patients and witnessed
this form of harassment myself.  I have seen store employees treat these
young women on many occasions as if they are some criminals trying to steal
one extra ounce of cereal or whatever.  The food stamp program has given
alot of people a bad taste in their mouth even when it comes to WIC. WIC, it
is important to remember, is a totally different program with the goal of
good nutrition for Women, Infants, and Children.  Catherine and Judy are
right, alot of these women don't want handouts.  They are often embarassed
about their own situation and will refuse food stamps but atleast take WIC
for their children.

Laura H. Ehrenzeller, BA, Breastfeeding Peer Counselor and Proud!