New York State WIC & Formula?

Question

Does anyone know how much formula the NY WIC program will provide for a 1 month old baby?

I'm on WIC and recieved the breastfeeding package last month, but my son is allergic to cow's milk, and I'm seriously considering giving up breastfeeding because I can't keep avoiding cow's milk myself. I need to know if I can afford to make the switch to formula.

If you don't know about NYS or the age, please share what you do know about older infants or your local WIC program.

Thank you!

Like I said, I'm only tossing the idea around, and I want to educate myself. Your answers have been helpful, but please, keep them coming, I'd especially love to see anyone's answers for NYS specifically.

Nursing has been one ordeal after another, I'm actually pumping 100% because I can't breastfeed, for a number of reasons, and I'm beginning to feel more than a little down about the fact that not only can't I feed him the normal way, but my regular milk was causing him pain. I've cut dairy out of my diet 100% for the past week and he's 100% better. I'm going to start testing to see what his limits are in his tolerance for the milk...if I can have some, or at least some cheese and things it might not be so bad. If I can't even do that though, I just don't think I can do this anymore...I need to be mentally sound for my baby just as much as he needs healthy food to eat, that's why I'm considering making this decision.

your urging is appreciated but unnecesary-my son is #1....

Answer 1

This is the basic WIC package -of course things may differ between states:
http://www.fns.usda.gov/wic/benefitsandservices/foodpkgtable.HTM

I hope you can work out breastfeeding though. It really is such a great thing. However I also know milk is in EVERYTHING.

Answer 2

I, like several of the other moms, have dealt with a dairy-allergic nursling.

Its really daunting at first, i know. I felt like i would never have a decent meal again. But it gets easier. I really don't give milk a second thought anymore. I eat soy yogurt and chocolate sorbet and use rice milk for baking and cooking. They also make soy cheese and ice cream... i try to limit my soy intake though.

I agree that you will probably face even more issues with your little guy if you move to formula. As some said, 50% of infants allergic to dairy proteins, are also allergic to soy. This limits your options of formula severely. And if he does tolerate soy alright, there is still alot of controversy surround soy and the overuse of it (as in an infant drinking nothing but soy).

Soy is a very genitically engeneered food product... I think i read about 70% of americas soy crops are genetically engeneered... thats a scary number!

Really take you time and go over the pros and the cons.

Might you have an easier time of it if you didnt have to pump? Maybe get that issue resolved and it won't be so daunting?

I know its hard... its incredibly intimidating. But it's possible.

I am thankful everyday that I have milk to give my child and I dont have to play the "what milk should i give him?" game now that hes a toddler.

Answer 3

Edited to add links to exclusive pumping stuff:
http://www.kellymom.com/bf/pumping/bf-links-excpumping.html

You want a really good support system for your dairy allergy issue?
Try this link. The mothers here can really help you.
http://forums.llli.org/forumdisplay.php?f=37

AS the mother of a child highly allergic to cows milk and eggs I would like to encourage you to continue on with the breastfeeding. It is likely the only thing keeping your baby healthy.
Keep trying to eliminate dairy in your diet and help that baby.
If you need more information post at the link above those mothers are like a lifeline.

Oh and to answer your question WIC will not always provide enough milk for your baby. They are a supplemental program. They provide you with only part of the milk your baby will need.

Answer 4

It's been a long time since I was on WIC - my son is now 12. But I do recall that they gave enough formula to feed the baby.

You will need to get a prescription from your son's doctor for soy formula...otherwise, WIC only pays for the milk based kinds.

WIC is a federal program...you shouldreceive the same items no matter what state you are in.

Answer 5

First off, congratulations on the birth of your son!

Secondly, infant formula is made from cow's milk, unless it's soy-based, which is then even further from the ideal nutrition. Many breastfeeding moms have found themselves in your position, needing to go dairy-free for a time while breastfeeding a dairy-allergic child. I myself had to do this with one of my children for over 18 months while he was nursing, and with another one just during the first 3-4 months while she was colicky. It's not as bad as it sounds!

If your baby is allergic, or sensitive, to cow's milk, avoiding cow's milk is the answer. Many babies (some studies say about 50%!) who are allergic to dairy are also allergic to soy, so you may find yourself in a situation a couple of months down the road, where your baby has to go on the uber-expensive hypo-allergenic formula, which is then even *further* from the original model, your breastmilk.

Please consider making the dietary changes your baby needs in order for him to continue getting THE best milk on earth for his little allergy-prone body. You'll be helping him avoid future allergies too! Most dairy-allergic breastfed babies are able to "outgrow" the allergy by age 2, if exposure is limited. :) My son who was allergic was able to tolerate milk again by 18 months.

Also, some babies can tolerate small amounts of dairy in mom's diet, especially dairy products that contain cultures, such as cheeses, yogurt, sour cream, etc. So an occasional slice of pizza might not be out of the question. ;)

Best of luck with your decision!

Answer 6

Whoa! If a baby is sensitive to cow's milk, there is little chance he will be able to tolerate any but the most costly formulas. Those with milk sensitivity are often sensitive to soy as well.

Please reconsider an elimination diet. It is far easier for you to go dairy free then it will be to deal with experimenting with different laboratory concotions for you baby.

I have been vegan for 14 years, so I know it is not that difficult to go without cow's breastmilk. it will be better for the long term health of your baby to give uo cow milk for a year.

I also nursed 2 children for a total of 5.5 years (so far)

Answer 7

WIC will efficient help with that a minimum of in providing milk. i don't understand why the foodstuff stamps does no longer conceal formulation. once you've information, would not it say what all you should use the foodstuff stamps for? won't be able to use for premade foodstuff, like won't be able to get a roasted chicken yet can purchase a chicken to prepare dinner your self. Is your formulation separate and not comprise established milk? you may likely call your interior of reach save and ask them and they don't even could understand your call. They understand as they ought to understand at the same time as to ring it up. or you may call everywhere you get the foodstuff stamps and they'll allow you to understand. You both ought to easily have had a newborn or jut gotten on WIC or you'll understand already what they lined. So only call someone with foodstuff stamps or the interior of reach save and they ought to manage to allow you to understand. i visit't imagine it no longer being lined even with the reality that.

Answer 8

I received WIC for my son, in CA, when he was 7 months old.

I received 9 cans of formula at that time.

My daughter is sensitive to cows milk, I have stopped drinking just straight milk, but still eat cheese etc, and she is having no problems nursing.

Answer 9

Why the hell did you have kids if you can't afford them? Now U.S. taxpayers are forced to pay for your stupidity.