>Hello  Today I attended a lecture given by Dr. Allan Lucas, the often cited
>researcher from Cambridge England who did the long term studies on preterm
>human milk and IQ (also on it's protection against NEC)  (Did I mention his
>visit was sponsored by R***?)

So sorry to hear this.  It just goes to show, no matter how
pro-breastfeeding we are, money from the opposition still talks.  I am
sooooo glad that niether LLL or ILCA will prostitute themselves for these guys.

>Dr. Lucas made the following statements about breastfeeding:
>*We have no idea whether sending them home breastfeeding is beneficial or
>not.
>*There is really no difference in growth between breastfed and bottle fed
>babies- in fact the bottle fed babies may even grow better.
>*Since babies aren't meant to be born too soon, we really don't have a good
>way to feed them, so (get this): if it turns out that human milk meets their
>needs it is almost a coincidence.

These statements are really tragic.  Especially when given to the uneducated.

I am an IBCLC who has been a LLLL for eleven years- one of those who never
>took a preparation course, and did very well on the exam.  I really did not
>feel capable of entering into a debate with this man, but I felt sick to be
>sitting there realizing that the message the mostly resident doctors and NICU
>nurses were getting is that breastmilk isn't all that great so we need to use
>pre-term formulas, and develop discharge formulas.

NEVER apologize for being an LLL Leader.  LLL is what started all of this LC
stuff.  YOU are as qualified as anyone.  If no one believes you are
qualified, ask them how they did when they took the board.

  I wish I had had the
>nerve to ask him about his breastmilk IQ outcomes, but by the time I realized
>this info was not to be forthcoming it was clear that this was to be a
>formula talk, and I was chicken.  I do write killer letters, though, so do
>you think I can do anything now to counter this anti-breastmilk presentation?
> I am open to suggestions.  Sue Jacoby, IBCLC & LLLL Fresno California

Without an MD after your name, I am not sure to that group you will make a
significant impact.  Try anyway.  It might help to point out who sponsored
Dr. Lucas visit, provide them with other studies Dr. Lucas has done proving
the superiority of breastmilk, and talk about how they know the sponsoring
organization influences the out tone of studies and speeches (and refer to
studies done by tobacco companies).  Good luck and LLLove,


Linda Pohl, IBCLC
Phoenix, Arizona USA
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