In response to the question about giving formula to an exclusively
breastfed baby in New York WIC:
        I work in the Missouri WIC program.  The rules for exclusively bf babies
are standard nationwide.  If the mother does not want formula, she is not
given any.  Her baby can be placed on WIC as long as the baby has a "risk
factor".  The baby is given no food package until 4 months when cereal can
be given if the mother wishes.  (Risk factors currently vary from state to
state and will be more standardized starting 4/1/99.)
        The mother can also be placed on WIC as an exclusively breastfeeding
mother as long as she has a "risk factor."  She will receive a food package
to support her nutrition intake during breastfeeding. (formula fed
babies/moms also need a nutrition "risk factor" to get on the program along
with income eligibility).
        The mother can return the formula to the WIC office if she does not wish
to use it.  Currently, it sounds like the mother is listed as a "partial"
breastfeeder in the NY WIC system because she received formula.  I cannot
speak for NY, but here in Missouri, we would be able to convert the mom
back to "exclusive breastfeeder" and correct our error if she brings in the
unused voucher or the unused cans of formula.
        We do have cases where moms tell the breastfeeding nurse they are
breastfeeding, and they tell our clerk that they want formula (sad but
true.)  Education about breastfeeding is an ongoing issue in our clinics,
and we are lucky that we work with a wonderful part-time lactation
consultant who puts up with our learning process.  I encourage you to
dialogue with the WIC office in a way that you can both learn together.  We
have a way to go in WIC and we need help from the lactation community.
Jill Lund, RD, MS
St. Louis, Missouri, USA