I work for the WIC program here in TN as a nutrition educator, yeah I see the irony!
And this change is for the entire program nationally, changed from the USDA based on recommendations from the IOM-Institute of Medicine. The amounts of milk and juice are so much it's no wonder children are overweight now. The changes have already started here. The amounts of milk have been lowered and juice also. The goal is to eventually add back a voucher for fresh, canned, frozen fruits and veggies. All the educators I work with are really glad for these changes. It's crazy that we preach to lower how much juice they get when WIC gives so much! So this is clearly a step in the right direction.
As far as BF goes, most educators are very supportive! We offer BF classes and BF supplies. It's a shame more women don't BF because of thinking it's nasty or that they can't do it. I mean what do they think breast are there for?
Anyways, don't get me started. I could stay on that box all day. I frequently hear that the baby didn't want it or that mom's milk wasn't good enough. What BS. It's just the excuse they use to quit. I see lots of moms that are doing a great job with BF however and are inspirational.
And yes WIC does kind of shoot itself in the foot by offering too much formula. But what else can we do? When women just don't want to BF. But you know the more I learn about BF, the more I am convinced that not BF has contributed to a downfall in the overall health of society. Not only that but the bonding and attachment of baby to mom, possibly contributing to mental health issues for some problematic children.
You know there are lots of hispanic women on WIC and they used to BF almost exclusively. But now they are starting to become "westernized" and are starting to use formula alot more. It's sad to see.
I hope our society can overcome its issues with BF. There needs to be much more education our there. Thanks for letting me get this off my chest, sorry to run so long!