Re: Breastfeeding is the norm, not breastfeeding poses risks.

There are other issues related to the language of "normal" and "risk,"
as well: the implications of setting norms, the medicalization of the
subject by using language of "risk" , the problems of co-opting economic
risk/benefit analyses, and choosing certain emotions and reactions
rather than others (fear rather than confidence, regret rather than
choice) as motivators for compliance, conversion, etc. However, I want
to go on record (yes, again) as saying that I am very concerned with the
tendency to only accept one way of talking about breastfeeding.

The proof of true respect and freedom of expression is how those who
don't share the majority view are treated. Whether it is coming from
health care providers, mothers or people like me who have strong
theoretical and practical reasons for objecting, I hope that people who
are making judgments on the best way to communicate take this into
consideration.

Most of us have been working a long time for women's diverse and
oppressed voices to be heard, for all people to have access to choice,
for all people to be treated with sensitivity and respect, for people's
experiences to be valued. Given that, it would be difficult for us not
to recognize the broad, complex, interrelated aspects of breastfeeding.
It should be just as difficult to accept that there can only be one
discourse, only one way of saying what breastfeeding "is."

I know you are all aware of this and invite you to share your
reflections on how making the practice (of stating breastfeeding is the
norm and that any other method of feeding is more risky) the *only* way
to recognize, promote, protect and support breastfeeding is consistent
with the vision.

To me it isn't standard, the norm, the least risky option, it is a
miracle, a value, a gift, etc. When I say to mothers, "Giving your baby
your breastmilk is the best gift you can give," I mean it, and can
ground the words in a whole ontology. It is not a frivolous statement to
be corrected, modified or re-phrased, and it is not playing into the
hands of formula manufacturers. It is a way of recognizing the
life-giving and transformative qualities of the mother-child relationship.

Let's not fall into the unenviable situation of believing there is only
one way to support breastfeeding. It means that a lot of important
experiences, contributions and possibilities won't be valued.

Jo-Anne Elder-Gomes, PhD, word-Fury, and researcher on intercultural issues.

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