Please let me know what you think of this, I am afraid it might be a little
too tough...Catherine
Family Circle
110 Fifth Ave.
New York,  NY 10011

re:   "What to Expect When You're Expecting"

Dear Dr. Brazelton,
        While I appreciate your long-standing work with parents and infants,
and your endorsement of breastfeeding, I fear I must call into question the
validity of your breastfeeding information.
        Nipple preparation is no longer advocated, after repeated studies
showed this to be counterproductive.  An infant who is latched on properly has
the nipple in the back of the mouth, and causes no discomfort to mom.
        Colostrum is present in the first few days after birth, in amounts
sufficient to fill the walnut sized newborn stomach. This is all the food that
the newborn needs, giving water increases the chance of jaundice; reduces the
number of calories the baby gets; and can confuse the baby's sucking patterns
causing painful nursings or refusal to breastfeed.
        I think a respected physician in your position needs to be very
certain that his information is correct, as parents take your every word as
gospel.  This is difficult when the volume of research in a field is huge, as
it is in human lactation.  I would recommend the Academy of Breastfeeding
Medicine as a resource for physicians interested in breastfeeding.  You can
contact them at:  ABM; address removed.

                                                Respectfully,


                                                Catherine Watson Genna, IBCLC