This was sent to members of our local coalition:

Republican Congresswoman Virginia Foxx has proposed an amendment to destroy 
WIC's peer counseling program! As a reminder - this was instituted by Under 
Secretary for Food Nutrition and Consumer Services Eric Bost under 
consecutive Republican Secretary's of Agriculture and a Republican President 
- George W. Bush. 

Please share this with other advocacy partners so that they can alert people 
in her district to implore her to reconsider. Forward to any friends of WIC 
as well of breastfeeding, of course. Can we get this message to healthcare 
professionals who care for WIC eligible mothers and to La Leche League 
members in NC District 5? 

Arguments in opposition to her amendment: 

Breastfeeding is the normal and most healthful way to feed infants - The 
benefits to infants and mothers are numerous. 

For children, science shows that human milk: may lower the risk of obesity 
in childhood and adolescence; promotes and supports development; protects 
against illness symptoms and duration; improves IQ and visual acuity scores; 
lowers cancer rates; decreases cavities; improves premature infants' health; 
and significantly reduces health care costs. 

For mothers: decreases the likelihood of ovarian and breast cancers; reduces 
the risk of osteoporosis and long-term obesity; increases bonding between 
mother and child; and significantly reduces the incidence of child neglect. 

Promoting WIC Breastfeeding Success - Breastfeeding rates among WIC women 
are on the rise. According to the most recent WIC Participant 
Characteristics Report, breastfeeding rates are at record highs-- 58% 
initiation and 28% at 6 months. 

Despite the continued rise in breastfeeding rates overall, they are lower 
than the Healthy People 2010 goal of 75% breastfeeding initiation and 50% at 
6 months. That is why the breastfeeding peer counselor funding and 
performance bonuses are so essential. 

It has been estimated that a minimum of $3.6 billion would be saved 
if current US exclusive breastfeeding rates increased to at least 50% at 6 
months. 
Participation in WIC prenatal and peer counseling programs is 
associated with an increased rate of breastfeeding initiation. 
Women who attend WIC breastfeeding support groups are twice as 
likely to plan to breastfeed as those who do not. 
Peer counseling assistance helps mothers initiate and maintain 
breastfeeding especially in the early weeks and months as mothers are 
confronted with predatory infant formula advertising, 
promotions, and hospitals that are not friendly to breastfeeding 
that seek to undermine breastfeeding mothers and drive them to formula feed. 

Formula feeding is best for mothers who are unable to breastfeed, 
not as a first choice for infant feeding. 

Below is an article on the amendment

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/06/15/virginia-foxx-proposes-to_n_877750.html

Back to Winnie's comments-warning, if you have high blood pressure, do not read 
the comments below the article!!  The first one that came up when I read it was 
one of the most absurd i have ever read.  The person, in effect, said she (or 
he) had seen plenty of animals who did not need help to nurse their infants, so 
why should we spend all that money to help humans.  They should just do it. (If 
only it were that easy for everyone.)  Get a clue!!!
Winnie Mading

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