re: WIC

Reader comment on: Krugman and Obama on Infant Nutrition
in response to reader comment: WIC

Submitted by Jill C (United States), Feb 21, 2011 18:06

To answer the author's question about WIC vs. non-WIC breastfeeding rates: the primary reason for the difference is that, on average, low-income women have lower breastfeeding rates than higher-income women (unless, of course, they accounted for income in their research -- then I have no idea why). And, it's true that you do get extra food if you don't get infant formula from WIC. Additionally, mothers do not typically get a full supply of formula, which means they are at least somewhat price-sensitive.

However, in my experience, knowledge about and support for breastfeeding varies greatly among WIC offices and employees. And, of course, support from WIC doesn't mean much if you have to go back to work and you aren't able to take breaks to pump.

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