This quote reminds me of a situation in Chile. Some years back, there
was approx. 80% BFing in the country. No problem. In the 80s, the
government became aware of a critical shortage of *veterinarians* in the
country. That's right! They couldn't recruit vets fast enough. Someone
in the government got a notion to ask "why." Turns out the dairy herds
had rapidly increased to such large numbers, there weren't enough vets
to go around. They asked why again. Seems as if the dairy cows were
important for - you guessed it - making ABM!! Consumption of ABM had
shot through the roof. The government discovered that BFing numbers had
reversed - now only 20% BFing. The government decided it couldn't afford
to keep all the cows or vets and so engaged in one of the biggest BF
promos sponsored by a government yet. Last I heard (1990), BFing rates
were up (around 60%) but had not returned to the previous highs. I
uncovered this info while working on my Public Health degree working
with the Jelliffes...

> Winston Churchhill:  There is no finer investment for any community than
> putting milk into babies."  Radio Broad cast, 21 March 1943  (Actually I
> don't know that this refers to breastfeeding, but it was my understanding
> that other baby milks were scarce during WWII, and I think this would make
> a
> great rallying cry for breastfeeding.)

Katharine West, BSN, MPH
Sherman Oaks, CA