I sent this via their website at www.cbs.com

***********************

I have heard rumors that an upcoming episode of CH will include a
severely dehydrated breastfed infant that may die.  Is this true?
Will you be presenting the positive aspects and important health
benefits of breastfeeding?

I fear that this situation may present breastfeeding as difficult
and dangerous.  It would be a disservice to parents and infants to
provide inaccurate information about this important issue. If only
one infant is not breastfed or is weaned prematurely because of your
show you will be responsible for the increased health risks of that
child.  Your show has a wonderful opportunity to educate parents and
health care professionals about breastfeeding.  Take this
opportunity to be a leader and do the topic justice rather than
going for the quick scare issue.

Will you be including information for viewers to know how to
determine if their child is getting enough milk?  Will you be
informing viewers of ways to get help with breastfeeding such as La
Leche League and International Board Certified Lactation
Consultants?

Your show has always attempted to use accurate, up to date
information.  I hope that you will have the same respect for
breastfeeding that you have for other issues you have presented. I
hope you will do your homework before airing this show.  I suggest
that you:

Read the AAP statement on breastfeeding and the use of human milk at

http://www.AAp.org/policy/re9729.html

Consult a breastfeeding expert - an IBCLC.

Read Dr. Jack Newman's articles at
http://www.erols.com/cindyrn/drjack0.htm

Read the La Leche League International FAQ's on breastfeeding
located at
www.lalecheleague.org

Read the LLL information sheet for parents entitled "How to know
your healthy full term breastfed baby is getting enough milk"

Please also consider presenting breastfeeding information on your
Chicago Hope website as you have with a number of other important
health issues you have had on the show.  You could include contact
info for LLLI and other important breastfeeding websites.

Thank you for you time on this important issue. I hope that the
rumors have been exaggerated and that your script will be fair and
accurate.

Janet Vandenberg
RN, BScN
Newmarket, Ontario, Canada