Carol wrote
"however, i noticed that no one in other countries such as australia
>wrote in to say that, yes, mothers there routinely let babies die or feed
>them (what would it be in australia instead of dr. pepper, fosters?)
horrible
>stuff in bottles"

Hi all,
I have lived in various places in Australia and visited many, many more. I
cannot say that anywhere have I noticed babies being fed soft drinks instead
of milk on a regular basis. Some mothers use orange or blackcurrant juice
instead of milk at some feeds, but in my experience that has been
supplimental rather than as a 'meal'. In Australia we have no equivalent to
the WIC program and very seldom would formula be given to mothers.
(Occasionally I have known it to happen through the baby health clinics.)
Formula is readily available at pharmacies and supermarkets. It is not
advertised in the print media, except in advertising for supermarkets or
pharmacies and hospital handouts do not have a formula component, nor are
nappy bags or breastpumps distributed to new mothers. There is no
expectation that the government would provide food for babies. Aid agencies
provide general supermarket vouchers which can be used for food. Others may
have different experiences, but in general, Australian babies are fed some
sort of milk until they are around 1 year of age and the message is that
this should be breastmilk or formula.
I hope this helps those who would like to know what goes on down under.
Others may have a different experience -
cheers,
Querida

Querida David IBCLC
Family: Steve, Kieran(14), Aaron(13), Rhys(10), Caitlyn(8)
Alyangula. NT. Australia

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