Jeanne posted about the omission of breastfeeding in efforts to limit asthma attacks. I am equally frustrated about the failure of non-breastfeeding advocacy groups to include the impact of breastfeeding on health. Some recent examples: The president of the SIDS Center in Wisconsin sent word that she was "offended" by my statement (in a position paper on wellness promotion through breastfeeding support) that lack of breastfeeding was a risk factor for SIDS. Her statement: "Currently the opinion of the Wisconsin SIDS Center is that there is no proof that breastfeeding impacts the outcome of SIDS. There is no direct causal relationship. The use of the word prevention in particular is offensive to SIDS parents..." (Actually, we never used the word prevention). A local physician who specializes in osteoporosis gave a lecture to a women's group in November about prevention strategies and omitted any mention of breastfeeding. When asked, he stated he had just come from an international conference, and extended breastfeeding had been identified there as a risk factor for osteoporosis. When asked what constituted "extended," he said "six months." I have not seen one reference to breastfeeding in the many lists of protective measures publicized during "Breast Cancer Awareness Month." I have been part of a new task force formed to promote measures to enhance optimal infant brain growth. I feel like a broken record, constantly having to remind this group of professionals that it all begins with breastfeeding. (But I think they are maybe beginning to take note). Has anyone ever seen any reference to the importance of breastfeeding in the literature of diabetes groups? Sometimes I just want to scream! Why are we not getting through to people outside our breastfeeding circles? Anne Altshuler, RN, MS, IBCLC and LLL leader in Madison, Wisconsin mailto:[log in to unmask]