Thank you to Dr. Mimi for alerting us about the Pediatrics in Review article
from April 97 entitled Breastfeeding Update 1: Immunology, Nutrition, and
Advocacy by Wendelin Slusser and Nancy Powers.  It was a really great article,
very helpful and very interesting.  I was able to access a copy from the
hospital librarian, and was really glad to have gotten it.  I am not sure when
part two is coming out but hope to be able to see that as well.

The article wonders why breastfeeding rates drop so rapidly by 6 months and asks
pediatricians if they might be able to encourage mothers to continue for longer
to help change these statistics. It discusses in depth the immune system and the
differences in human milk and bovine milk, the antimicrobial factors, the anti
inflammatory agents, immunomodulating factors, and is full of charts to support
this information.  It also has a resource chart, listing ILCA and LLL among many
others.It has a myths and realities list, and a chart on hints on helping
mothers return to work and continue breastfeeding,  It ends with an appendix of
methods for developing a breastfeeding culture in the office with hints like
educating yourself and staff, having an open attitude about breastfeeding in the
waiting areas, developing a mother to mother support group, making the office
"baby friendly", and keeping statistics on patients who breastfeed vs. those who
do not.

I hope that many pediatricians will read and consider the points made in this
article.

Ann Calandro, RNC, IBCLC