Hope this press release from LLLI hasn't already been posted here.
-- Lisa Mandell
---------- Forwarded message ----------
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: 847-519-7730: Mary Lofton , [log in to unmask], ext. 271; Mary
Hurt , [log in to unmask], ext. 286, or Katy Lebbing , [log in to unmask],
ext. 245.
Schaumburg, IL (October 2005) La Leche League International (LLLI) is
concerned about the October 10, 2005 policy statement on Sudden
Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) issued by the American Academy of
Pediatrics (AAP) Task Force on SIDS. The recommendations about
pacifiers and cosleeping in the statement reflect a lack of basic
understanding about breastfeeding management.
Pacifiers, which are recommended in this policy statement, are
artificial substitutes for what the breast does naturally. Breastfed
babies often nurse to sleep for naps and bedtime. The recommended
pacifier usage could cause a reduction in milk supply due to reduced
stimulation of the breasts and may affect breastfeeding duration.
LLLI recognizes that safe cosleeping facilitates breastfeeding. One
important way cosleeping can help a mother's milk supply is by
encouraging regular and frequent feeding. Well-known research on safe
cosleeping practices by Dr. James McKenna, Director of the
Mother-Baby Behavioral Sleep Laboratory at Notre Dame University was
disregarded by the task force.
Also, the obvious omission of input by the AAP's Section on
Breastfeeding may account for the fact that breastfeeding management
issues were not taken into consideration. Dr. Nancy Wight, President
of the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine , comments that this
statement "represents a truly astounding triumph of ethnocentric
assumptions over common sense and medical research." Dr. Wight also
states, "There are many physician members of the AAP who do not agree
with these recommendations."
Although the authors do state that breastfeeding is beneficial and
should be promoted, their recommendations about pacifier use and
cosleeping could have a negative impact on a mother's efforts to
breastfeed. The statement causes confusion for parents and falls
seriously short of being a useful and comprehensive policy.
LLLI, a non-profit organization that helps mothers learn about
breastfeeding, has an international Professional Advisory Board. The
LLLI Center for Breastfeeding Information is one of the world's
largest libraries of information on breastfeeding, human lactation,
and related topics. Monthly meetings are offered to pregnant women
and nursing mothers and babies to learn about breastfeeding
management. To find local groups call 800 LA LECHE or visit
www.lalecheleague.org
--
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