Abbot Labs (makers of Ross Formulas- Similac, etc) are hosting a symposium,
"Challenges in the Treatment of Acute Otitis Media".  I'm sure I'm not the
only one finding irony there...

Regarding the new AAP's New Mother's Guide to Breastfeeding Book / Ross
Products-Similac on the cover, it is one of several examples of the way the
AAP is a large organization that does not always communicate and coordinate
efforts- the book (very basic but well done) was written by Joan Younger
Meek, MD, MS, RD, FAAP, IBCLC and  Sherill Tippins but the licensing
agreement to Ross was done by the marketing and sales department without
knowledge at all by the authors or breastfeeding section.

Yesterday's seminar discussion on "Length of Exclusive Breastfeeding- What
Should We Recommend?" began with a Nutrition Award given by the
International Formula Council. The session was not under the arm of the
Section on Breastfeeding  but instead was given by the section on
Nutrition...   Another example of the left hand not knowing what the right
hand is doing.

Re vitamin D, on the front page of today's (Sunday's) AAP Highlights (this
is a daily mini-newspaper with info and summaries of various sections) is
an article summarizing yesterday's presentation.  Too long for me to type
the whole thing in, but here are some of the important quotes:
Headline in bold: "Breastfed Babies Need Vitamin D Supplement". Some
background info on the rickets/North Carolina situation. then, "the issue
of bf and vit D has led to a lot of concern- particularly from the bf'ing
community- that the supplementation of bf with Vit D implies that human
milk is deficient and incomplete", said Lawrence M. Garnter, MD, FAAP,
professor emeritus, Departments of Pediatrics and OB, the University of
Chicago.  "I believe that bf is extremely important to the health in many
areas of infants and children.  We need to prevent rickets in bf infants,
but the great majority of bf infants, even exclusively bf infants, do not
develop rickets."
The issues of vit D supplementation were addressed by William H. Dietz, MD,
PhD, FAAP, director, Division of Nutrition and Physical Activity, CDC and
Prevention.  He discussed the implications of targeting a specific group of
children with vit d supplements, the difficulty with universal
supplementation, administration of vit d- schedule and dosage, adherence
and alternatives to daily delivery.In addition, Dr Dietz posed the
difficulty of increasing sun exposure while other organizations, including
the AAP, have recommended decreased exposure.
Frank R Greer, MD, FAAP, professor of pediatrics and nutritional Sciences,
University of Wisconsin, presented important considerations for proposing a
vitamin D supplement.  He listed 11 considerations that included the need
for the supplement to prevent vit D deficiency in all infants, it should
meet the recommended amount of 200 IU per day (down from the previous
amount of 400 IU).  No ethnic group or minority should be singled out, and
it should not interfere with bf or the establishment of bf.

In other tidbits of info, First Lady Laura Bush is scheduled to speak
tomorrow about her Reach Out And Read literacy program.

LOTS of talk and meetings about the new (to me) concept, "Every child
deserves a medical home".  As I understand it, it means each child should
have a Primary Care Physician who provides continuity and can serve as a
coordinator for all other medical and developmental needs the child has, in
all aspects of pediatric care.  "the family, physician, and allied health
care professionals work together as a team, particularly in identifying
community resources- both medical and non medical".  Gee, sounds like an
opportunity to tie in lactation consultants and community breastfeeding
support groups to work as a team WITH the pediatrician.  Wouldn't that be
really nice, if we were all working together on the same page?
Here is an AAP Policy statement on the concept of Medical Home.  I do see
potential to promote BF resources as a tie in.
http://www.aap.org/policy/s060016.html

Meanwhile, back at the Lactation Lounge...  over 50 visitors today!  One
woman pumping with the Symphony for the first time said, "It feels JUST
like my baby nursing!  I can't believe it"..  Lots of people just wanted a
quick visit or tour, curious about what a Lactation Room would be-nice
opportunity to educate them on the importance of breastfeeding and
breastmilk and logistics.  Very positive responses all around.  It is very
comfy and relaxing in there, rocking chairs, juice, changing table, I
brought in music and a basket of infant toys and play mats.
3 days down, 3 to go.
Nancy
Nancy Holtzman RN BSN IBCLC
Great Beginnings New Mothers Groups &
Boston Breastfeeds!
64 Ledge Hill
West Roxbury MA 02132
617.323.9977
http://www.great-beginnings.com/group.html

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