NPR's All Things Considered did a long story last night on the resurgence
of human milk banking in the US.  I am considering (checking my pocket
book) getting a tape or transcript because the story was very interesting
and mostly positive, but I think a closer review might reveal some subtle
problematic messages.  The gist of the story was that careful screening of
donors and heat treating of pooled donor milk has renewed confidence in
the use of donor milk, after HIV scared people away in the '80s.  They
interviewed some bozo doctor who said there is no good research showing
that donor milk is any better than formula.  They also interviewed Dr.
Marianne Niefert, who said she had seen many babies who had been doing
poorly on formula respond well to the use of donor milk.  Unfortunately,
she didn't point to research, just anectodal evidence.  The story pointed
to the enormous cost of donor milk: $50 to $100 for a one-day supply.
The reporter also noted that it was available only by prescription (the
irony that formula, which has never been proven to be safe,  is available
over the counter was not pointed out)

Did anyone else hear this story?  What did you think?  I don't know what
to say, so I am not presently planning to write to NPR, but for anyone
interested here is the e-mail address for All Things Considered:
<[log in to unmask]>

Rachael Hamlet