Katherine, thank you so much for your eloquent email to the newspaper!  Here
is mine.  Hope we see some action!

Michelle

Dear  Editor;

Dr. Dworkin's article "The hazards of breastfeeding" was full of misleading,
discouraging, and completely incorrect statements that do not reflect
current research findings or recommended medical practices to support
breastfeeding.

By publishing this article The Ottawa Citizen has given incorrect
information to thousands of readers, preventing them from making informed
choices on their management of breastfeeding.  The overall tone of the
article was also very discouraging by stating that when there are
breastfeeding challenges "fathers feel useless,"  a mother is "subjected to
judgment of her maternal skills in a punitive fashion," and is "made to feel
that she is a failure."  Dr. Dworkin's harsh and incorrect statements may
make parents choose to not start breastfeeding or, if having trouble, to not
seek help because they fear facing these reactions.  In fact, Dr. Dworkin
meets many points in the profile created by Dr. Jack Newman (who started the
first hospital-based breastfeeding clinic in Canada in 1984) of health
professionals who are not supportive of breastfeeding:  "All health
professionals say they are supportive of breastfeeding. But many are
supportive only when breastfeeding is going well, and some, not even then.
As soon as breastfeeding, or anything in the life of the new mother is not
perfect, too many advise weaning or supplementation."

Lactation support workers are available to help breastfeeding families
succeed at and enjoy the breastfeeding experience - they do not make mothers
feel guilty, and will support them in their pursuit of good mothering no
matter what their decision may be concerning continuing breastfeeding.

Parents need factual information to make informed choices - Dr. Dworkin has
not provided this.  I challenge the Ottawa Citizen to give equal space to an
interview or column which provides accurate information.  For breastfeeding
support please contact someone with specialized knowledge such as La Leche
League Canada (part of a worldwide network recognized as an authority on
breastfeeding), or a Certified Lactation Consultant.

Dr. Jack Newman's articles on "How to Know a Health Professional is not
Supportive of Breastfeeding" and "Breastfeeding and Guilt" are available
online.

Michelle Bentley
Certified Lactation Educator
Stittsville, Ontario

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