I read the post from Pearl Shifer with interest in 18 August Digest. I am the Breastfeeding Coordinator for the Delaware WIC Program and was very surprised by this information. I have talked to the coordinators of the Home Visiting Program in the last few days and would like to share some information about the program. Visitors call upon mothers both prenatally, through a complementary program called Smart Start, and postnatally through the Home Visiting Program. This young mother was interviewed for the USDA article 14-16 months after her prenatal learnng experiences. As some of us know, time frames are not always accurate when trying to recall when you heard what you heard. This mother stated to the nurse on the first visit that she was going to bottle feed. During her prenatal visits this mother was taught about the advantages of breast feeding. The nurse who visited also informed her of breastfeeding support available to her through the WIC Program Peer Counselors, the WIC Breastfeeding Helpline and other support groups in the community. She, however, remained committed to the desire to bottle feed. Public Health nurses who make many prenatal and postpartum visits do not use a video that supports bottle-feeding. All of the prenatal and postpartum programs within the Division of Public Health have purged themselves of all formula company materials. This mother did have other health education contacts, including the hospital experience. Unfortunately people remember the parts of an educational experience that they are interested in. If the young lady was determined to bottle feed she needed to know how to mix formula. Neglecting the education of these moms, once they have "Firmly" made up their minds is as unethical as ignoring the educational needs of the breastfeeding mom. I do not believe that we will make any progress in the health of our next generation if we, as health educators, do not take the forefront in educating these young mothers on how to take care of their babies. Breastfeeding, of course, is my major concern. However one needs only a few hours in the busy WIC Clinic to see that this parenting education is needed. I feel very strongly that mothers need to be taught not to put rice cereal in the newborn's diet, not to give cola to the 10 month old, not to feed jarred baby food to the two year old and of course how breastfeeding can work for them. These moms are not necessarily learning appropriate childcare from their community and support system. Many of these support systems are made up of other 14-16 year olds, not a loving nuclear or extended family. The Home Visiting Program is making a valuble effort to educate. Delaware has made a committment to Healthy Babies.