I have been very pleased with WIC in Maine, USA, as they readily pay
for electric pump rental for clients who are ill or have a premie or
ill baby.  This is a wonderful way to promote breastfeeding as I know
most of the moms who are helped by this service would not be able to
afford to rent otherwise.  I feel there are many more babies
receiving Mother's Milk because of Maine WIC.  They will also give a
Medela hand pump to "approved"mothers- ie engorgement, returning to
work.  I did not realize that Medicaid would pay for rentals.  I will
check this out in Maine, as there are many Moms who are not
registered with WIC but cannot afford a pump.  This must seem odd to
Pamela, the LC in Zimbabwe whose Moms probably do just fine with hand
expression!  Talk about cultural differences!
     I agree with Leslie about the advertising in the Lamaze video
and magazine.  I do hand out the magazine in my classes, but always
tell the parents-to-be to be wary of the ads.  I do not hand out the
video or show it because of the blatent advertising.

Pam Capetta RN ICCE IBCLC
from Hermon, Maine, where summer is finally here, along with the
bugs!