Well, I've debated as to whether or not to bring this topic up in this forum,
but I've decided to go ahead.  As some of you may recall, Kathy D. and I
exchanged e-mails/posts several weeks ago about a particularly old and
unsubstantiated study regarding the "window of opportunity" for introducing
solids. I mentioned at the time that I was reading a textbook on pediatric
dysphagia as a way of broadening my scope as an LC.  I've finished the book,
and here's what's bothering me.

I believe we should, and need to interact with other professionals who are
often involved in the treatment of some of our clients--speech pathologists,
OT's, PT's, etc., and I am making efforts to learn a bit about each of these
fields as it relates to breastfeeding.  What does one do, however, when in
professional textbooks/resources written by and for these professionals, one
comes across not just one or two misstatements or unsubstantiated statements
about breastfeeding, but literally a full chapter that raised the hairs on
one's neck?  I realize that the author isn't an LC, and accept that this,
like many other books (e.g., Wolf and Glass) are written from the bottle
feeding perspective.  But this particular book was grossly inaccurate on a
number of points.

In her acknowledgments, the author thanks a fellow SLP who contributed to the
chapter, but nowhere does she indicate that an IBCLC or anybody with any
knowledge read the chapter prior to publication.   Quite a bit of the text
comes from the Wolf and Glass book, but in my opinion, the interpretation
seems a bit skewed.  Some of the references are quite outdated, others are
wrongly attributed (Chele Marmet became and remained "Maimet").  The
take-home lesson admonished SLP's that "breastfeeding can be difficult, and
it is not a natural process for all infants".  "Breastfeeding alone may not
be the best practice for adequate nutrition.. . , but providing the mother
with the option of combining breastfeeding with bottle feeding. . .should be
presented."

She concludes:  "Most importantly, educate the mother and be a resource for
her."

Ugh.  Educate her with this chapter?  I hope not.

So, am I being overly sensitive?  My gut feeling to was write a constructive
letter, offering a few examples, and suggesting she consult an IBCLC the next
time she writes on a subject about which she knows so little.  Is this just
howling at the moon?  Is it worth it?  Other SLPs will read this book, and if
they know less than the author, they now are more dangerous to breastfeeding
mums and babies than they were before.

Has anyone dealt with this issue before?  Thanks for letting me vent.

Barbara Ash, MA, IBCLC
Canberra, Australia

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