<If we want to change what happens at WIC we have to
begin with what happens in the world these women live in and work in. >
Pam MazzellaDiBosco

AMEN I say to this....

Yes, right now I have worked with some WONDERFUL women who, with the help
of WIC:
        - Recieved education on WHY to breastfeed in prenatal WIC classes
        - Went to WIC when they were having breastfeeding problems in the
early postpartum period - were refused formula, instead were asked to
breastfeed so they could observe and referred if necessary
        - Were seen by me thanks to a fax of phone call from a WIC staff
member
        - Got the free use of a good electric breastpump when I found the
need for it
        - Had regular visits from Public Health Nurses thanks to the WIC
staff referral, to monitor baby's growth and development and how my
suggestions were working

However - many of the problems are because:
        Moms are not encouraged to breastfeed by their families/health care
providers/hospitals/employers/culture
        Moms are told to go back to work within 3 months after delivery or
their financial aid will be reduced
        Moms are not able to pump at work due to the jobs they must take
(car wash, gas station, fast food place)
        Moms are required to work at least 32 hours / week.


Of course, some people may say - as I was told a few days ago "Well, they
have no business having babies they can't afford"   I can only respond - I
need to help THIS mom with THIS baby.

I just saw three moms today;
#1 - Pumped her breasts with a pump in style for 2 months - because of lack
of evaluation and help from hospital/pediatrics provider etc. - fully
nourishing her baby with her milk - I was referred by a Public Health Nurse
who had been sent in by WIC - problem - tongue-tie.  Mom was ready to quit
- now we have appointments for evaluations and possible intervention.

#2 - Mom pumping her breasts using a WIC double pump as I had seen her due
to a WIC referral - baby had been unable to suckle due to LARGE nipples and
a 5 lb 4 oz baby.  Now baby is 11 lbs and today latched on for the first
time at age 2 months (mom lying flat on her back, baby crawled up to
nipple)

#3 - Mom referred by WIC due to pain with breastfeeding - corrected
positioning - this was a follow-up appointment - baby gaining beautifully,
mom breastfeeding happily.

None of these cases would have recieved any help if WIC had not been
involved and if there had not been (as is not the case in other counties) a
very dedicated director who INSISTS her staff refuse formula for 6 weeks
and get CLC training so they can do initial interventions and refer every
mom having trouble.

In an ideal world, these moms would have had neighbors who would know how
to help, assistance so she can stay home with her baby and health care
professionals who know how not to be barriers - but given that we're not
there yet - I'm glad we have the WIC staff we have!



Jeanette Panchula, BSW, RN, IBCLC
Vacaville, CA
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