Here is the info on the Ohio WIC costs associated with formula vs. bf.
Didn't realize I still had it until I went into my reference archives
looking for something else.

Rachael Hamlet

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Date:          Sun, 1 Oct 1995 22:09:50 -0400
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Subject:       Update on Ohio Breastfeeding Cost savings for ear infections

Many of you have seen the 1994 paper I wrote on cost savings for BF for ear
infections in Ohio, using the data from Duncan and the average amount that
Ohio medicaid pays out per ear infection.  I re-did it using 1995 WIC
statistics, leaving the costs the same.  Here it is in its entirety.  This
same information could be done state by state to send in to your
legislators.
 This might get some attention.   Here goes....   Martha Brower RD LD IBCLC

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-- -------------------------------------------
 1995 BREASTFEEDING FACTS FOR OHIO
 compliments of the
 Ohio Lactation Consultant Association
1224 Fifth Street                             Findley, Ohio 45840       (419) 427-0656


Breastfeeding improves infant health.  Ear infections (a common childhood
illness) account for a significant number of health care visits annually.

 In a large recent US study (Duncan, et al, "Exclusive Breast-feeding for
 at
Least 4 Months Protects Against Otitis Media". Pediatrics. 91:867-872.
1993.), it was found that exclusive breastfeeding of 4 or more months
protected infants from single and recurrent episodes of otitis media (ear
infections).  Since a large percentage of WIC participants use Ohio
Medicaid for health care, June 1995 WIC statistics were used.

The average number of ear infection episodes for the first 12 months of
life for a baby exclusively breastfed for 4 or more months (no supplements
or foods other than human milk):  1.52 (Duncan)

The average number of ear infection episodes for the first 12 months of
life for a baby receiving NO human milk (exclusively fed artificial
formula): 2.13 (Duncan)

The difference between these two groups of babies is .61 ear infection
episodes per baby.

At an approximate cost of $50 per ear infection (2 physician visits and
medication--does not include the cost of time lost from employment), for
each baby that is exclusively breastfed for 4 months, this would be a COST
SAVINGS OF $30.50.

Number of babies served by Ohio WIC in June 1995: 76,626 (data from WIC)

Number of Ohio WIC babies receiving ANY breastfeedings: 10,240  (13%) (data
from WIC)

IF all of the partially breastfed WIC babies in the 10,240 were exclusively
breastfed for 4 months, health care costs in Ohio for ear infections would
be reduced $312,320.

Increasing the WIC exclusive breastfeeding rate for the first 4 months of
life to 25% of the June 1995 babies served would net health care savings of
$548,273 for Ohio.

Increasing the rate to 50%, would net a savings of $1,168,547 per year.

Increasing the rate to 75% (the USA Year 2000 Goals) would net a savings of
$1,752,820 annually.

These figures are only for ear infections! Breastfeeding affects other
health issues as well!

Eliminating barriers to breastfeeding and mandating third party
reimbursement for breastfeeding services and support would provide the
cultural and professional support these mothers need to fully implement
their breastfeeding decision.

compiled 10/95 Martha Brower RD LD IBCLC with assistance of Ron Brower MS