Thank you, Marsha, for the reminder about the proposed changes in the
WIC food packages. I remember there being much discussion of those when
they were first proposed but eventually forgot about it.  It is time
that I think about this again.

I was in a quandary about them from the beginning.  I still am, and
here's why.  As well intentioned as the "no formula for breastfeeders"
in the first month rule is, I fear that the reaction of WIC mothers to
that rule will be the exact opposite of what we'd like it to be.  Many
many WIC moms, IMO, will choose full formula rather than "risk" not
having ANY formula in  the house that first month. They already doubt
their ability to breastfeed and while I don't, at the end of the day my
opinion doesn't matter quite as much as theirs does.  In the context of
such rampant perceived milk insufficiency, this rule has some pretty
hefty negative potential, it seems to me.  At the very least it requires
that each WIC program be fully staffed with IBCLCs (not just PCs, great
as they are!), so that mothers with doubts about their milk production
can be reassured and assisted as needed.  But often that is NOT the
case.

If these women are told that breastfeeding moms get "nothing" (that is
how they will receive this proposed rule) then they'll choose formula.
("Oh no, ma'am, you can't have any formula, not until your baby is a
month old."  "Why not?"  "Because you're breastfeeding."  "Well then
never mind. I can't wait that long; I have to have some formula.")

Even some of the ones who intend to fully breastfeed will claim not to
be, "just in case".

Those are my fears about this but I'd like not to feel that way. This is
one opinion I'd love to be talked out of...


Regina M. Roig-Romero, BS IBCLC 
Senior Lactation Consultant 
Miami-Dade County Health Dept WIC/Nutrition 
Breastfeeding Program 
7785 NW 48 ST, Suite 300 
Miami FL 33166 

(786) 336-1333 x162 
(786) 336-1345 fax 
(786) 336-1336 Breastfeeding Helpline 

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