Happy World Breastfeeding Week to All - I hope it is a great week for
the world.
    The Dr.'s comment about women, is why we have such a low
breastfeeding rate and such attitudes in our world concerning
breastfeeding. I happened also yesterday to sit through a parenting
bible study and became dismayed with the moms making comments about
large families ("I don't know how she does it," and "she is still
sane"). I wanted to comment on it, but must admit that I thought it
would be falling on deaf ears (long explanation about military life). So
I made a couple of comments, but didn't press the issue. I think that
Euka's letter made a valid point - we lack common sense. It is
frightening to me, when some medical people make comments like that.
From an article I read, South America is also going to the C-sec to
'preserve' the 'sexual' aspect of the vagina. I don't know about anyone
else, but facing a C-sec - just to 'maybe' keep it tight - I shudder at
the thought of it. Just having a epsiotomy with #1 was horrible to me, I
can't imagine how I would feel after a C-sec.
   Re: father's bottle feeding, I had a reference, but at this moment,
can't seem to put my finger on it - I vaguely remember it being in
Parents Magazine - but it stated 'research' has shown that mother does
90% of infant feeding, no matter how infant is fed. Putting to rest that
father, others really do much of any more than a token bottle, (1 out of
every 10 feedings) which seems to me, a silly reason to jeopardize or
complicate a simple process like breastfeeding.
Re:  the drug addict parent article. I read that to say, toxicology
reports are not back, yet a CPS worker is 'sure' that this child is in
the condition due to injesting drugs through breastmilk? Is she psychic
or something? Yes, given the social history of the family, this might be
a likely cause, but I would be more worried about neglect/abuse from an
'addicted' parent(s). Not to mention, the condition of this infant
having been born addicted and exposed to drugs in utero. A case of
centering on one issue (to me, the dangers of breastfeeding) rather than
the bigger issue of drug addicts not receiving immediate attention upon
becoming pregnant (or heaven forbid, before) is offensive.
   In that vein, USA Today had an article on intelligence being tied to
prenatal health and care (eating properly, no smoking, no drinking,
stress-free pregnancy) as oppposed to after birth or genetic issues. As
usual, I have to point out the exception to this wonderful little study.
I drank with my first pregnancy (1st trimester) as I was in denial. 4
out of 5 of my pregnancies were extremely emotionally stressful
(including attempting to leave my husband #1, excessive weight gain
#s2,3,4, emotional abuse #1,2,3 and repeated hospitalization for health
concerns #4 -  not to mention premature delivery (#s 2,3,4)). 4 out of 5
of my children were breastfed at least 6 weeks (#3 died in the NICU).
All 4 are above average intelligence, and the two boys (my hardest
pregnancies #1,4) are gifted in many of their abilities.  As I have said
before, as soon as you mention absolutes, someone will point out the
exception. Once again, where is common sense?  A good, natural diet;
receiving compasionate, prenatal care; a natural, drug-free (technology
free) delivery [where possible]; breastfeeding and involved, loving
parents who actually spend time with their children, do the most to
provide the best potential to our children. I know I'm preaching to
choir.
Re: the hair coloring issue.  I had suffered from alopecia (hair loss)
for years, the last time at age 25, I lost a spot on the top of my head,
for some reason, it came back in white. As I have almost black hair, it
was so unusual, I had no desire to explain why it was white, and I was
vain, I colored to cover that spot. Now 17 years later, I am still doing
it - and hating it. Breastfed two children while doing it. No problems,
although I did use a formula without peroxide and amonia while
breastfeeding.
Final comment - for all those who state that after (colostrum, 1st week,
6 weeks, 6 months, or 1 year) [fill in the blank] breastmilk has no
benefit - maybe Pam's son should be used for a model, that breastmilk is
more than just a nutrition choice! And certainly, that it can be of
benefit longer than [again, fill in the blank]. Believe me, there are
times, when my daughter goes through her vomitting 'spells' that I wish
I had some breastmilk available. It is such a simple solution. I'm sure
though, since our Dr.s don't even believe that vomitting is a symptom of
allergy, we'd get nowhere trying to get a script for breast milk!!

Leslie Ward
Vine Grove, KY
"Setting an example is not the main means of influencing another, it is
the only means." Albert Einstein