http://www.nytimes.com/2015/10/18/opinion/sunday/overselling-breast-feeding.html

An interesting article. My response on Facebook was this, and perhaps I
will send it in to the Times.

An interesting article. I think that we, as lactation consultants and
nurses, who actively support breastfeeding mothers... are only as strong as
our weakest link, and if there are those who use the 'guilt" card to
strongly encourage or coerce a mom to breastfeed, one needs to rethink this
tactic, although health providers freely use guilt to force patients to do
a myriad of things... stop smoking, use carseats (all good things)..but the
technique is the same. No one likes to be forced to do anything, and it is
a reprehensible approach at best. Research is clearly in favor of the
benefits health wise, of bf, but the real kernel of the issue lies in the
human connection that is formed when mother and baby can connect in this
way. I believe it is the key to human connection, to human relationship,
and to building a parental bond that helps out children as they grow, and
wean from breastfeeding, still needing our care and that bond to grow and
make good choices. Mothers who do not wish to breastfeed should never ever
be made to feel guilty or coerced in any way by any zealous lactation
consultant, MD, etc. the truth should be told, and not undersold, as well.
It's up to women to make the choice,and motherhood is not measured in
ounces. However, this article belies the anger of its author. I don't think
breastfeeding has been oversold. I think pumping and bottlefeeding
breastmilk has been oversold. No one wants to cuddle up to a cold pump. But
their own child? Our country has failed to provide women with adequate paid
leave so that they can have time with their child, and that is the biggest
travesty, and idea that has been oversold, that families do not need paid
time off. The US is woefully behind the times in this regard. Kathleen
Bruce RN IBCLC Originator of Lactnet, listserv for breastfeeding
professionals.

Kathleen B. Bruce RN BSN IBCLC

HeritageWoolSamplers

https://www.etsy.com/shop/HeritageWoolSamplers
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Williston, Vermont USA

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