>The National (USA) Library of Medicine has added a new encyclopedia to its
>website. http://medlineplus.adam.com/ency/article/002450.htm
>They do invite comments.
Medlineplus Health Information:
I visited your website to read the content on breastfeeding, and I also
read the content on formula feeding, which was linked there. I agree that
families need to give very careful consideration to the infant feeding
decision, weighing the facts and their own and others opinions. I believe
families need factual, up-to-date information. Your site did not provide
this. In fact, the information that you provide is so out of date, it could
be considered negligent.
The breastfeeding recommendations you give are very lukewarm, and
unfortunately will not help families make an informed decision. You state
"research indicates that breastfed babies may have less frequent" ear
infections, GI infections, and several other disease entities. The fact is
that research indicates that breastfed infants DO HAVE better health, and
that formula feeding GREATLY INCREASES THE RISK OF ILLNESS. You did not
mention this in the "side effects" of formula feeding, and you neglected to
mention many other health considerations like the risks of diabetes and
certain cancers in formula fed babies, and health risks for the mother when
not breastfeeding. Other hazards of artificial feeding like bacterial
contamination and adulterations occuring in the manufacturing process were
not given.
You listed 8 reasons why some babies may be unable to "adequately
breastfeed." However, all but one (galactosemia) are compatible with
breastfeeding. Obviously a baby with a cleft palate will need help, but
breastfeeding would be his best shot at optimal health. The list of reasons
why mothers are unable to breastfeed is also inaccurate.
You perpetuate the myth that breastfeeding mothers need to carefully monitor
everything they consume and eat a perfect diet and force fluids. Studies
conducted in many different parts of the world have found that maternal
nutrition has minimal effect on milk production and composition; and
increasing fluid intake does not increase milk supply. In the publication by
Ruth Lawrence, MD "A Review of the Medical Benefits and Contraindications to
Breastfeeding in the United States" there are only 5 contraindications
listed: HIV, HTLV-1, antimetabolites, therapeutic doses of
radiopharmaceuticals, drugs of abuse. The vast majority of moms on meds
don't even need to interrupt breastfeeding at all.
I was astonished at the misinformation, misunderstandings, and myths that
were perpetuated on this site. On a health website, this should be
embarrassing, at the very least. I hope you will update your site
immediately. May I suggest referring to the AAP 1997 policy statement on
breastfeeding, which endorses breastfeeding in unequivocal terms, and/or
contacting the physicians at the American Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine.
Laurie Wheeler, RN, MN, IBCLC
Violet Louisiana, s.e. USA
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