Breastmilk vs. Formula Debate

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28019956/

This story was posted in my PG

 

 

 

 

I didn't see this posted below before I posted this, but I thought it would be good for debate.

It brought into my mind what other options could a poor mother have instead of formula. I read that she gets it for free and can't afford the extra cans she needs.

Also what would make her believe extra water could be good. My DH and I throw out a bottle if we even doubt for one second that we put too much or too little powder or water inside.

So into my mind came to the thought about pumps and such. I started thinking that it would be a heck of a lot cheaper to give out or rent out pumps than all this formula. even to buy one in the long run. Then I started to think that either the formula is donated to these organizations or if it is a gov't supported that the govt program pays for the formula. If they pay at all or at a reduced price.

So for people who have financial problems or are effected by the economy, if they refuse to BF, can't BF, and the like what can be done to avoid stupid things like this or get their babies breastmilk? Why is it that WIC programs and such give out formula and not breastpumps? As I stated in another topic, these companies make a lot of money also and are big business, but this business is waaaaay better than formula.

Thoughts?

 

 

 

 

Unfortunately, the practice doesn't seem all that uncommon. I've heard of people doing this as an *almost* common practice when they can't afford the full amount of formula that their infant needs.

I recall the first time I ever really heard any details on the WIC program. On my oldest son's first playgroup, one of the members was really struggling financially. She was complaining that WIC wasn't giving her enough formula and she had to 'stretch' it by watering it down. It was the Community Leader who explained that WIC was a supplemental program, and that it was never intended for them to supply the full amount of formula. She offered to send her the free samples that she got from the formula companies (the CL was a breastfeeder). Lots of other people offered to send her their free samples as well, anything to keep her from watering down the formula. She had no clue that this was dangerous. Her *intent* was admirable enough... to make sure that her baby had enough food to last the month. It seemed as though she thought it was the same as, say, watering down soup for an adult.

I'm afraid that the as the U.S. economy gets worse, that a lot more people are going to resort to this practice, because food banks and other organizations that help people make ends meet are already reporting that they're stretched beyond reason. Where I live, few women initiate breastfeeding and even fewer sustain it more than a few weeks. As the economy tanks, people will begin to do desperate things. There isn't much support for breastfeeding where I live, and formula feeding is actively encouraged. It's the norm. When people can't afford it anymore, and breastfeeding isn't even a distant 2nd thought, they'll either begin to introduce solids too early, or water down the formula, in an attempt to make it last.

Actually WIC does give out breast pumps and offers classes & support for BFing. Many women on WIC just want their free formula. I'm sure someone has answered this part of your post better than me, haven't read ahead yet.

But what I wanted to comment on is the fact that she said she couldn't afford the extra cans she needs. Unless she does not drink, smoke, snack or drink soda, I don't believe her. I don't know what Walmart formula costs in the US, but here an extra-large can costs $12.95. How much does a can feed? A week's worth? (Sorry, I don't know?)

How much does WIC give them? Two or three weeks? Somewhere in her budget, she surely could come up with $12.95 to make sure her baby is fed properly. If she really had no money to pay, there are food banks, as was suggested to her by WIC.

<< if they refuse to BF, can't BF, and the like what can be done to avoid stupid things like this or get their babies breastmilk?>>

It seems no amount of education will prevent people from refusing to listen, refusing to care.

~*~ Catherine, "Internet Research Specialist" ;)

No matter what decision you make in your life, or your child's life - there will always be someone just waiting to tell you what a stupid idiot you are for doing so...

Some of my blogs:
Life Begins... (miscarriage)
Frugal Baby Tips
Frugal Freebies
Pregnancy Stories By Age - 43-56+yrs old!
You Can Get Pregnant in Your 40's

That makes me wonder if we will here more about deaths with the economy the way it is. Here in Germany since the birth rate is low we get childrens money, 154€ a month to help support the child. It is to encourage people to have more babies. I have no idea how other women feed their babies, and I hope they don't do this. I have also heard of people in my playgroup saying it is not enough, my next thought is if you have internet or cable and are on wic, you should cancel it immediately then you can afford your babies formula.