Republican Congresswoman Virginia Foxx has proposed an amendment to destroy WIC’s peer counseling program!
I have had the privilege to teach The HUG Your Baby course to WIC peer counselors and appreciate what a goldmine they are! We need to be reminded that:
*A 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.
*Formula feeding is best for mothers who are unable to breastfeed, not as a first choice for infant feeding.
Let the political leadership know that babies and their mothers need our support during this most vulnerable time.
Good News!
Mary Overfiedl, IBCLC, reports: "Thanks to all that sent emails and made calls...just in....By a recorded vote of 119 to 306, Rep. Virginia Foxx’s (R-NC) misguided amendment to zero out WIC’s Breastfeeding Peer Counseling and Performance Bonuses went down to a resounding defeat. A total of 118 Republicans joined 188 Democrats in opposing the amendment! Kudos to all who worked so hard to get the word out!"