|
Healthcare Professionals
On October 1, 2009, the WIC program implemented significant changes aimed at increasing breastfeeding rates among WIC families. One outcome of this change could be a reduction in infant formula subsidies by an average of 20 percent. We encourage you to proactively discuss these changes with your patients and assess how they are adjusting to these new rules.
One way mothers may be tempted to manage through this change is to water down infant formula. While this choice may sound safe to mothers, it can have life threatening consequences.
We encourage you to talk to your patients about the dangers of watering down infant formula and these safe cost-saving strategies:
- Breast feed – Not only does breast milk provide the optimal nutrition for babies, it is also the least expensive feeding solution available.
- Call local social service organizations – State WIC agencies, religious organizations and local food banks may be able to offer additional assistance. Ask.
- Seek out coupons online – The internet has made it easier than ever to access discounts. Google "baby formula coupons."
- Switch to a store brand – Private-label infant formulas offer the same level of nutrition as high-priced brands like Enfamil®, Similac® and Good Start®. Switching is a safe way to save up to 50% or more on formula.
About Store Brand Infant Formula
Store brand formulas are scientifically designed to meet the recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics, including:
- DHA & ARA to improve mental and visual development
- Nucleotides in levels like breast milk to bolster immunity
- Vitamin D to promote calcium absorption and normal bone mineralization
- Choline, an essential nutrient needed for structural integrity of cell membranes
- Calcium and Phosphorus to help meet the growth requirements of full term infants
Our products are available at more than 35,000 stores across the United States. Our retail partners such as Walmart, Target, CVS, and Walgreens carry a wide variety of formula, including Prebiotic, Probiotic, Partially Hydrolyzed and Lactose-Free formulations.
Talk to your patients about safe ways to save money on infant formula.
|