Hi all,

I am new to Lactnet, I have been "listening in" for about a week. It is
wonderful to be able to tap into the great wealth of knowledge and
expertise here, and I feel priviledged to be a part.

I am an IBCLC in private practice, a LLL Leader (6 years), and a
Registered Nurse doing discharge planning at Women & Infant's Hospital
in Providence, RI.  I also work with the Rhode Island Department of
Health implementing their early intervention program for at risk
families, and teach breastfeeding workshops and newborn care workshops
to expectant parents at a local HMO.  I have 3 children who were
breastfed for 15 months, 2 1/2 years, and 2 1/3 years respectively.  My
youngest is almost 3.

My question is this.  I attended several conferences this year put on
by LLL.  At one in particular, I remember a speaker stating that when
breastfeeding is combined with ABM, the ABM negates the protective
properties of breast milk.  She suggested that exclusive breastfeeding
was the only way to go.  Now before you all agree, which I know you all
will (I do too), let me raise this issue.

I deal with many moms every month who return to work, either because
they have to, or because they want to, or a combination of both.  That
is not the issue.  Some of these moms think they have to wean to return
to work.  I always stress that exclusive breastfeeding is far superior,
and always point out the dangers of ABM.  But the fact is that some of
these moms either can't of won't pump at work.  I am reluctant to tell
them that the ABM they are giving is probably negating the wonderful
benefits of breast milk.  I always thought that some breast milk was
better than no breast milk.  One of the OB physicians at the HMO is
telling his patients about this!!

Does anyone know of the study that supports these findings?  Does
anyone know who actually reported this, and/or if it is common
knowledge in the world of lactation? I would appreciate some feedback.
Thanks.

Sincerely,
Sharon A. Rapoza, RN, BSN, IBCLC
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