Now that we were talking about US bf rates, I was wondering about the Worldwide
breastfeeding rates as compared to the infant mortality rates.
 - Japan is the lowest Infant mortality - is that right?  What is their bf rate
as compared to the US?
 - I understand the US is #22 in infant mortality - what are the bf rates of the
other 21 countries?  Do we have some ammunition there?

I realize that there are lots of other collateral questions including what is
breastfeeding (once a day, no supplements??).

On the subject of what to call the "other stuff",  it's so great this Net is so
varied - we get into all sorts of extraneous and "kookie" - fun - discussions -
but always someone is there to get us back to basics.  As an LC, I often have to
use the "other stuff" because "feed the baby" is still the rule.  I remember in
1985 when I started - having never used formula with my children, there I was,
using dropper, LactAid, and spoons to nourish a baby while we figured out how to
work with the mom's supply.   I was glad to have it - and still am.  Just like
with crutches - we need to use them, respect their need to be, and not become
dependent on them - any more than on any one treatment or supplementary feeding
method.  Our professionalism is reflected in our ability to make judgements for
the health and well-being of the mother-baby couple.  Not based on one trick we
just learned, but based on a variety of skills we have garnered through
conferences, books, journals, lectures, other people (especially LactNet) and
our own inventiveness.

I vote for Human Milk and Processed Baby Milk (which can include cow's milk,
soy, etc.)
Jeanette Panchula, RN, BSW, IBCLC - Puerto Rico - where we're having a Heat Wave
- 90 deg -  another day at the Beach!