Impact of free formula on duration of breastfeeding among WIC mothers in San Francisco

National trends show reason for concern that WIC's provision of free formula is negatively impacting breastfeeding efforts. Breastfeeding rates for WIC participants are consistently lower than rates for non-WIC participants even when controlling for socioeconomic status, geography, race/ethnicity, the age of the mother, and birth weight of the baby. This suggests that something about the WIC program itself produces a depressive effect on breastfeeding.

A needs assessment was conducted to investigate the impact of free formula provided by WIC on breastfeeding duration rates among San Francisco WIC clients. Findings showed that the accessibility of formula negatively impacts WIC's breastfeeding efforts and contributes to low breastfeeding duration among WIC clients. Therefore, formula regulation is necessary to improve breastfeeding outcomes. The current WIC policy mandates that staff cannot deny formula to clients who request it. A change in this policy is recommended to decrease the number of women who request formula at WIC clinics. The new policy would create a WIC formula protocol, which includes a formula suitability tool, additional breastfeeding support services for clients and more lactation training for staff. The San Francisco Breastfeeding Promotion Coalition, in collaboration with WIC and other community-based organizations, should advocate for policy change to achieve longer breastfeeding duration for healthier San Francisco WIC mothers and infants.