Hold on... WIC gives out formula for free, but charges to rent breast pumps?

Question

Seriously?

Not asking for myself (I'm not in the US anyway) -- just trying to figure out something I read in another Q

Answer 1

I got my breast pump for free thru WIC. It was a medela model, and was given to me when I asked for it. They told me it was mine, not a loaner. But I know you could rent an electric one, all they asked was that it be returned when you were done.

I would double check with your WIC office. Someone gave you the wrong info!

Answer 2

I certainly hope this information is incorrect. If not, I wouldn't be surprised though. I've never had any dealings with WIC, so I'm not sure on this one.

If you read at the bottom, it says that only since 1998 have they been approved to use state food funds for the purchase or rental of breast pumps. According to the WIC main page, it tries to make them sound like they are promoting breastfeeding, but they've only been authorized to rent out pumps for the last 9 years? Since WIC is an income based service, wouldn't seem obvious that some recipients of WIC wouldn't be able to purchase a pump?
http://www.fns.usda.gov/wic/Breastfeeding/bflegishistory.HTM

Answer 3

Yes you can switch to the formula package, but then mom doesn't get the foods after 6 months (or earlier if there isn't enough money in your state, post-partum non-nursing mothers are a low priority). However if Tennessee has adopted the "new" WIC package that keeps getting pushed back then you get some formula and some benefits for mom. (The new package keeps getting pushed back) Please contact Ameda I'm sure they will replace a faulty pump, its not that hard to rebuild your supply. They may even send you formula vouchers or coupons for some products (like milk storage bags) when they hear your story.

Answer 4

in Texas (at least a few of the Dallas area WIC offices) they loan out hospital grade pumps for a few, give out manuals to almost all, and give the Ameda Purely Yours to most working moms who request it. BUT, from what I have heard from a few friends on it and trying to breastfeed, many of the people who work these local offices can be a little ... let's say less than supportive with breastfeeding.

I babysit for a working mom, she started back to work at 8 months... took 2 months of waiting, filling out forms, practically begging for an electric pump!! She had borrowed a Purely Yours from a friend, so she wasn't pump-less... but still! AND everytime she'd go in for an appointment they'd ask her about formula... did no one notice in her file that she'd turned it down a thousand times, as she did w/ her first child too!!! In theory WIC is very pro breastfeeding... but I think it depends on the people who work there to make that idea come true.

Answer 5

The WIC office in my area will give you a free single, manual pump but you have to pay a $20 down payment to rent one that is a medela electric for as long as you need. Once you return the pump your $20 is refunded, so technically you never pay for it.

Answer 6

I'm pretty sure that in states that provide breast pumps through the WIC program they are free but they are "rentals" in that you have to return them. I guess they are then loaners?

In any case I find it truly amazing that WIC is allegedly supposed to support breastfeeding (as one of its main goals) and yet not all provide pumps and not even half of the women on WIC breastfeed.

PS Providing manual pumps for women who are being forced to work through "work-fare" is BS. You can't keep up breast milk supply with a manual pump. Now it the woman isn't working, sure you don't need to give them a hospital grade or even high-end electric pump. A manual or electric for less than $30 retail would be just fine.

Answer 7

WIC gives out free food (cereal, juice, eggs, milk, and peanut butter) for pregnant moms, breastfeeding moms, and small children under age 5. They also give free formula. They give free infant cereal and juice after baby turns 6 months old as well as continuing to give the breastfeeding mom the coupons for milk, juice, eggs, cereal, peanut butter, tuna, and carrots. In the summertime in some areas they give out farmer's market coupons as well. They usually (at least in my hometown) have outstanding breastfeeding peer support and resources for nursing mothers. All nursing mothers are welcome at their support meetings, classes, and are welcome to call the peer counselors, even if they do not qualify for WIC services. I do know that in my hometown, the WIC office does give away breastpumps to the recipients of their services. I do believe that if you don't qualify for services, they will sell you a pump or rent one. Over all, it's really a great program, and they do strongly encourage breastfeeding.

EDIT: I guess I was blessed to have lived in a community that is very supportive of breastfeeding when my kids were babies. Our WIC office here is a really great resource for nursing Moms, I'm sorry to see that it's not that way in other places. :-(

Answer 8

Actually, i found that my local WIC office was very supportive of breastfeeding, even to the point of harassment when i threatened to quit in the first month of breastfeeding. As for as the pumps go, i was given a Medela double electric pump for free. All i had to do was sign a form, stating that it was now mine, so if it breaks, its not their responsibility.

Answer 9

I got my pump from the Health Department. I wasn't charged for the breast pump but I did have to "rent" it. That just means that every two weeks I had to re-check it out by calling and letting them know I still needed it, almost like extending a library book. I guess they did this to keep up with their equipment.

Answer 10

I was never charged. As a matter of fact, I still have the breast pump, and they never called me to get it back. I would contact a different wic office.