Hi Lactnet friends! Got a message from a friend whose ped told her that infants under age of 3 months have a special reflex if you squeeze in the center of an infant's palm, he will open his mouth. Any credence to this? Also, have worked for WIC almost 3 years now and don't understand the philosophy behind the special Food Package for Exclusively Breastfeeding Women. If a woman is exclusively breastfeeding her infant she will receive the following IN ADDITION to the food package for pregnant/breastfeeding woman. She will receive 1 lb. of domestic cheese, 1lb. beans, 46 to 48 ounces of approved juice depending on strength, 26 oz. canned tuna, and 2 lbs. fresh carrots or 2 14-16 oz. canned carrots. How and why were these particular foods selected for this package? We are instructed to talk about this package as a promotional item if they exclusively breastfeed. None of my Moms choose to breastfeed based on getting this package -thank goodness! Most Moms find it a joke- interested in knowing whether they can get a different veggie other than carrots and NO ONE seems to want the tuna. Who determined the items to go in this package? These foods are very nutritious but I personally feel they are NOT culturally sensitive. This package is supposed to help entice Moms to bf-who do we write or lobby to truly make this package more appealing? How about just cut the bf Moms a check for the around the amount that would have been spent on abm? Now let's really talk about promotion! Also, let us give out the real facts on the hazards of formula feeding instead of worrying about someone's feelings! Hurt feelings can be mended but often times poor health and of course death is irreversible! Laura H. Ehrenzeller