Hi Jaye,
Formula use, is I would guess, at least as ubitquitous in the US as it is
here in Australia. Few studies actually look at how commonly formula is used
but one small study here found that 90% of 6 month old babies have formula
daily (half still breastfeeding as well). So nearly market saturation,
nearly every mum. As you mention, many carers using infant formula do not
know how to use it properly. Why then don't we have group demonstration
classes for all pregnant women showing them how to properly use infant
formula?  We don't because we know that it undermines breastfeeding. It's
almost as bad as giving pregnant women formula samples. Teaching bottle
feeding in group environments or before there is a demonstrated need
similarly undermines breastfeeding. Yes, it might be difficult to do one on
one teaching. Yes, many health professionals may be clueless. Yes, this
might mean that some mothers don't get the information that they need but
the alternative makes it more difficult for women to breastfeed harming them
and their babies. We're not in the perfect world but we've got to make sure
that we're working towards making things better.
Karleen Gribble
Australia



----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Jaye Simpson, IBCLC" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Wednesday, November 21, 2007 3:53 AM
Subject: Re: the wrong question


>
> In the meantime moms do need to know how to safely and properly feed their
> baby when they are forced to be separated, because we don't have decent
> provisions here in the USA.  So - I think (just my own opinion here) that
we
> do need to also look at the question of do we teach one on one or do we
> teach mothers (who must leave their babies) in a group setting?  Perhaps
one
> on one would be best but that is not always possible.  Group settings may
be
> the only option in some circumstances.
>
>
> I think a frank discussion on this is important - we as a community might
be
> benefited by more exposure to the challenges some of us have in our work
> settings in trying to educate mothers how to safely/properly feed the baby
> when they are gone and/or how to teach the caregiver.  Someone mentioned
one
> on one teaching by their healthcare provider.not always a good option when
> many HCPs (at least in my area) don't seem to have the foggiest notion of
> how to do that and have given unsafe information at times.  Many times an
> HCP has told parents that they can prepare supplemental formula with tap
> water.that they don't need to worry about powdered formula use in a baby
> under 4 weeks of age, or that paced feeding for a baby with serious
> suck/swallow/breathe issues is NOT necessary - the baby can aspirate
> breastmilk all they want (breast or bottle) and it isn't a problem - ever.
> Not all HCP's have a clue.
>
>
>

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