Sender: |
|
Date: |
Fri, 6 Sep 1996 00:44:22 -0500 |
Reply-To: |
|
Subject: |
|
MIME-Version: |
1.0 |
Content-Transfer-Encoding: |
7bit |
Content-Type: |
text/plain; charset=us-ascii |
Organization: |
Home |
From: |
|
Parts/Attachments: |
|
|
I just stumbled on a glossy web site from "Applied Medical Infomatics".
It's an easy-to-use searchable site with info on diseases, drug
interactions, symptoms, injuries, lab tests, etc. for both adults and
children. That is the good news.
Although some accurate information is presented, the sections on BF are
generally dreadful. I'll include excerpts from the "breastfeeding" page
as a postscript. Visit the site (http://www.ami-med.com/consumer.htm)
when you're not already mad. Read the section on "formula feeding" and
guess who subsidized it. I wouldn't fight this fire except that much of
the rest of the site is excellent, and it all looks so respectable.
Sadly,
~~ Nancy Penney
The "breastfeeding" page, http://www.ami-med.com/peds/top/002450.htm,
includes:
"Feeding your baby breast-milk or bottled formula are both healthy and
responsible decisions, each with advantages and disadvantages...
Breast feeding [sic] your baby (directly from the breast):
can only be done by you
can be done exclusively or can be supplemented with bottle feedings
involves you making a major commitment
Breastfeeding is a natural function but is not necessarily a natural
instinct for mothers. Most mothers need education...
THE DECISION NOT TO BREASTFEED
Many situations or circumstances can change your plans to
breastfeed. How and what your baby eats may ultimately depend on
the infant's physical condition and your health after birth.
Some babies are unable to adequately breastfeed due to:
premature birth
small size
weak physical condition
difficulty sucking
birth defects of the mouth (cleft lip or cleft palate)
digestive problems (breast milk jaundice, galactosemia)
Some mothers are unable to breastfeed because of:
breast infection or breast abscess
breast cancer or other cancer
previous surgery or radiation treatment
inadequate milk supply (uncommon)
Some mothers are advised NOT to breastfeed due to health problems
such as:
serious illnesses (heart disease or cancer, for example)
active, untreated tuberculosis
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infection or AIDS
active herpes lesions on the breast
severe malnutrition
QUESTIONS THAT MAY BE HELPFUL FOR MOTHERS TO ASK
ARE:
How will I cope with the fatigue associated with frequent
breastfeeding?
How will breastfeeding my baby affect my other relationships
(such as with my husband/partner)?
How will I cope with my child's dependence on me for food?
How will I cope with the physical discomforts of breastfeeding?
How long should I breastfeed my child?
Moms who breastfeed may experience:
nipple soreness
breast engorgement
leaking breasts
let-down reflex (other than during breastfeeding)
inadequate milk supply
difficulty knowing how much milk the baby is drinking
Moms who breastfeed their babies may feel:
confused by lack of experience or support
afraid or ashamed to ask for help for such a "natural" activity
overwhelmed by the time commitment
exhausted by the frequent feedings (every 2 to 3 hours, day and
night)
socially isolated from other relationships and activities
frightened by conflicting emotions of enjoyment and resentment
Note: Cow's milk by itself is not an adequate source of complete
nutrition for infants. Commercially prepared formulas for bottle feeding
are excellent sources of nutrition for babies that do not breastfeed. "
|
|
|