My 2cents--Every time there is another article or TV show, or JAMA publication, breastfeeding seems sure to take a hit, even when the "news" is supposedly pro-breastfeeding. My local TV news on the JAMA article started out as "reasons to breastfeed," but after seeing the segment, I thought it was more negative than encouraging because they interviewed a doc who gave the usual pedi-party line--"I don't see what a few IQ points means, and mothers need to decide for themselves." (A paraphrase)
I try to limit my personal wrath to a few minute tirade, because I believe that we are up against a very big wall. Thank goodness that as many moms breastfeed happily as there are. My sons are now 21 and 23 and the same problems existed when I was breastfeeding. It can be very discouraging, as we have said over and over.
However, there are quite a few of us out there, and we ARE working at least one mother and baby at a time (if not a dozen, depending on your place of practice). We can rest assured in our own advocacy, assistance, and actions that we also are a formidable force, and that we are making a difference!
Just do the next right thing, and eventually the goal is won.
Sincerely,
Patricia Ellis, RN, MA, IBCLC
NJ
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