I need to add my 2 cents... Many mothers enrolled in WIC, who would be without
ABM if it was not provided by the program (ie. our tax dollars),
would still NOT breastfeed (probably for the same reasons they do not breastfeed
now). The idea that they would breastfeed if they did not get the ABM is
somewhat wishfull thinking; some would breastfeed but I doubt the numbers would
be very high.  Most likely the babies would receive cow's milk, sometimes
diluted! And as stated by others, teas, soda, juices... are often given; these
are often given now when the WIC supplied ABM runs out. We have a tremendous
re-education of society not just moms on WIC. The program began in 1972 when
breastfeeding rates were much lower than today's rates, when economically able
parents were using the ABM. At this time, studies revealed the risks of feeding
cow's milk vs. ABM and the poor outcomes of infants fed cow's milk. Thus, the
inclusion of ABM as one of the food items in the WIC program; foods chosen to
provide the nutrients most lacking in the diets of people in low-income
households.  As the program has evolved, ABM is still provided however rebates
are now required which decreases the cost, and mandates were set to provide
funding for breastfeeding promotion. (Why the BEST nutrition - human milk needed
to be mandated in a Nutrition program is a good question!?! We are talking about
a  government program   - I'm sure intentions were good.)
As the Breastfeeding Coordinator for a local WIC program I often wish ABM would
not be provided, but then I remember the babies and I am realistic that one does
not cause the other.  I would like to see incentives (not cash) perhaps a
voucher redeemable for a breastpump (provided by the private sector) or rental
of a pump (this would be fantastic especially for employed WIC moms). I have
more to say but I've gone long enough.

Hurray to Kathleen Bruce -- I've long thought health insurance should be tiered
and that there should be choices, for example - basic, expanded, and
premium/delux coverage. It would be similar to life, car, & house insurance --
the more coverage received the higher the cost -- and according to personal
factors (age, health/lifestyle choices, feeding method etc) discounts to the
cost would be made.   On a related note, where are the incentives for health
promotion/prevention in the health care changes currently taking place -- are
health insurance
companies and HMO's really in the business of health??  I think not.
Down off the soap box- thanks for listening.
Catherine Worthington, IBCLC
71614,[log in to unmask]