http://www.health.state.ny.us/nysdoh/b_feed/level9.htm

This curriculum has been discussed before on Lactnet, about a year
ago.  At that time I looked it over out of curiousity and found it
wanting in several respects.  Here is a recap of my comments to
Lactnet from last April.

My concerns:

Formula company publications are cited in the references.  Thus, it
should come as no suprise that the language and context of
information in many places undermine breastfeeding.  The entire
curriculum begs to be rewritten in Wiessingeresque language.

La Leche League is referred to incorrectly throughout as "La Leche,"
which indicates to me that the authors of the curriculum lack
familiarity with the leading authority for breastfeeding information
and support.  No LLL publications are cited in the references.

The "advantages" of breastfeeding are nearly always presented with
the qualifying phrase "in developing countries," leaving students
with the impression that only people in non-westernized countries
need be concerned about risks of formula-feeding.

Students are assigned to view a panel presentation on human milk vs.
formula by representatives of "La Leche," formula salespersons,
and/or HCPs, then write an essay supporting either breastfeeding or
formula-feeding.  Later in the curriculum, students are to consider
which feeding option they would choose and why.  This approach
emphasizes the "choice" aspect and implies neutral outcomes.  I
believe that this may entrench these teenagers into their choices too
soon, and leave them less open to new information in the future.

There are a number of laudable features of the curriculum, including
an exercise in reading between the lines in formula company
materials, and an exercise in evaluating various baby products based
on consumer product information.  However, the shortcomings of this
curriculum still concern me.  I'd love to see some New York State
Lactnetters have a part in rewriting it.

Margaret

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