Ann Perry wrote: "...the need to approach this long standing thought
process on bottle feeding.
How did this all start? Any ideas to best approach this?"

Ann's description of non-cue-based artificial feeding is a detailed example
of cultural influence on infant feeding. It clearly demonstrates the
mainstream Western expression of cultural dimensions, like orientation to
time and relationship with nature (Good Mojab, C. The cultural art of
breastfeeding. Leaven, Vol. 36 No. 5, October-November 2000; pp. 87-91,
on-line at:
http://www.lalecheleague.org/llleaderweb/LV/LVOctNov00p87.html). In regard
to time, cultures can focus on the past, present or future. Mainstream
Western culture is future focused. Planning and scheduling are
valued--hence, the scheduling of feeding. Human being's relationship with
nature can be one of dominance, subjugation or harmony. In mainstream
Western culture, nature is dominated--hence, control, science and
technology are valued and nature and natural processes are mistrusted.
Feedings are scientifically created, measured, and administered via
technology.

Changing feeding protocols involves challenging cultural beliefs and
behaviors. This is most effectively done when we understanding that the
situation is more cultural than personal, that change is a process that we
generally find difficult, that cultural change causes confusion and
discomfort, and that we are all doing the best we can with what we know and
with the resources available to us. Respect and patience are critical.

I have written a feature article, "Helping Mothers Create Breastfeeding
Allies," for LEAVEN, La Leche League International's journal for Leaders. I
anticipate its publication within the next six months. I talk more about
culture and the processes of change in this article. I'll let you all know
when it's in print.

Cynthia

Cynthia Good Mojab, MS Clinical Psychology
(Breastfeeding mother, advocate, independent [cross-cultural] researcher
and author; LLL Leader and Research Associate in the LLLI Publications
Department; and former psychotherapist currently busy nurturing her own
little one.)
Ammawell
Email: [log in to unmask]
Web site: http://members.home.net/ammawell

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