This originally started as a post to Dr. Ahrendsen with my vote for what
to call "that other stuff".  As I started to type, I realized that I had feelings
about the issue that I wanted to share with the group.

Although I am a strong breastfeeding proponent, I am in a unique position
because my job at WIC requires me to counsel BOTH breastfeeding and
bottle feeding families.  While I personally find bottle feeding with "that
other stuff" distasteful, my personal and professional ethics drive me to
provide *effective* education to bottle feeding families (after they have
made the choice).  Therefore, it is my job to make sure they buy "infant
formula", mix and store it correctly, and feed in a loving manner in
response to their infant's cues.

While wearing my "breastfeeding advocate" hat, I'd like for us to use one
of the acronyms for "that other stuff", such as "Substitute Baby Milk".  I
agree that "the other stuff" is a poor alternative to human milk and that
we need to emphasize that issue.

However, while wearing my "effective nutrition educator" hat, I'd like for
us to continue using "formula" for the following reasons.  First, according
to literacy guidelines, it will be more easily understood - less words, no
acronym, already in common use.  It also appears on the cans, so the
low-literacy or non-English speaking client may be able to match our
words or brochures with what is written on the can.  My fear is that
clients will not understand what we mean, and feed their baby the
wrong stuff!  (remember, they *already* chose to not breastfeed)

I also would advise that we do not use "canned milk" to mean "formula"
because we commonly use "canned milk" to mean "canned evaporated
milk".

I know that all families should be choosing breastfeeding.  But reality tells
us that they are not......yet.  I have seen too many families who have
trouble with bottle feeding, and I do not want to make it any harder for
them (because then the baby will have lost out twice).

I know from reading previous posts that some of you may not be able to
imagine giving bottle feeding information to families.  But please
remember, that if we do our best to encourage breastfeeding, and they
still choose to bottle feed, that the infant is at greater risk if we do not
provide them with the information.

And, please no flames about WIC providing formula.  I agree that too
many of the WIC families are not breastfeeding.  We are actively working
on promoting breastfeeding and our numbers are improving.  If you have
any suggestions on how WIC can promote breastfeeding more
effectively, please feel free to e-mail me privately.

Off my first soapbox (whew!),

Debi VanderMey, MS, RD, LD
Oregon WIC Breastfeeding Promotion Coordinator
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