I worked for WIC Breastfeeding so I know your pain.  And you should be mad - WE SHOULD ALL BE MAD! But why are we so surprised?  This is the message that Renee and I have been trying to hammer into everyone's heads across this country with Newark/Nestle.  Are we starting to see the writing on the wall now??  
The big picture is: industry plus government!!!  When the government chooses industry over what's best for us this is what you get.  Yes, breastfeeding saves money but it doesn't make money for industry thus it's bad for business.  The government isn't making health decisions - they are making business decisions. 

You would think we wouldn't be in this mess, with the multitudes of committees, sub committees, task forces, agencies, divisions all appropriated for women's health, child health, BF, obesity etc (many of which are industry backed!) which proclaim and write all types of guidelines and recommendations regarding health (many which are redundant). Some of this is a "front" and some, sad all for naught when the politicians/government will just ignore, turn around and do business with the very companies that are harming us and our children!  

As breastfeeding advocates, we need to stop being so naive.  Unless we face the reality of the situation and pull together collectively and influence politically ( create our own "industry" ie force to be reckoned with) - we will be doomed.  If industry has it's way- there won't be anyone left in this country breastfeeding and you know what that means.......

Maria Parlapiano RN IBCLC
Chatham, NJ

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