> Some mentally challenged women would be far better off to breastfeed.
> Certainly, it is easier to BF than to mix and measure formula.  But they
> need someone in the home who is capable of being supportive and helpful.
> Comparing them to barnyard animals, for whom parenting of young is modeled
> and not perverted by social messages and customs, is not helpful.
>

I have indeed worked with women in the categories you list. I did not intend 
to compare developmentally delayed women to animals - my point was this: 
these women had been defined as a group who potentially should not 
breastfeed, yet the ability of animals to feed their young is clearly 
evidence that intelligence is not a requirement. A woman who is 
significantly delayed will need someone to provide her with support and 
guidance whether she breastfeeds or bottlefeeds. I just don't see this as 
being a reason to choose artificial feeding over breastfeeding, and I say 
this as someone who has worked with a number of women with significant 
delays who successfully breastfed.

Teresa Pitman 

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