Nikki,
I couldn’t agree with you more. Economics is one lens through which we see the world, a very flawed and inadequate one. And capitalism is also one model of how the world can be.
However, we live in a capitalist society and policy makers use economic models to make policy decisions and direction. We are not in a position to dismantle capitalism and economic models on our own.
Our job is to: 1. Assure that the economic models used reflect reality as much as they can. This is something economic models do very poorly, so we have our work cut out for us; 2. Be persistent in reminding legislators, policy makers and others that breastfeeding is, indeed, priceless and why. Economic models are a limited tool.
Naomi
On May 7, 2023, at 12:00 AM, LACTNET automatic digest system <[log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>> wrote:
Naomi asks for thoughts on this piece. She says, in part, "The J
Perinatology piece was trying to quantify this for policy makers who need
numbers in order to set responsible policies."
How is it possible to put a price, a number, a monetary value, on health
and life? On all the aspects of life, including mental health, physical
health, environmental health, relationship health and the development of a
little human being with a better chance of realizing its potential? How
could we possibly put a price tag on every short- and long-term benefit
to mother/lactating parent and baby? (As one example, I am remembering the
study showing that breastfed babies have a greater chance of upward social
mobility.)
Breastfeeding is priceless.
Capitalism is a limiting philosophy, where something priceless can be
deemed to be without value.
These are some of my thoughts.
warmly,
--
Nikki Lee, she/her/hers
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