Okay, the folks at Stork Site changed the article slightly (see
below-- this is the revised version of the article, the original was
much worse). However, there are still mant inaccuracies and/or
misleading/incomplete statements in the article. I posted several
times going through point by point showing what was inappropriate in
the article and got the following response:
"The breastfeeding/bottlefeeding article will remain in Storkzine as
intended and I stand fully behind it. Thank you all for your
feedback--the wonderful thing about our democratic society is that we
have the opportunity to freely maintain our ideas and express
ourselves. I think the various points have been made and I
respectfully ask that there be no more flaming posts regarding the
issue. "
Does this mean that it is fine for a site to post inaccurate
information? It's freedom of speech to present misleading
information? What if the site decided to say that after 20 lbs., there
was no reason to put your child in a car seat (isn't that,
essentially, what's implied by the one-year breastfeeding comment
here?)? Wouldn't that be irresponsible?
I frequent this site a good bit, and have really enjoyed the BF boards
there. Lots of good info. But what reaches women BEFORE they get to
the BF board is articles like this. I'm extremely concerned about it,
and wonder what you guys think the next step would be for something
like this. I feel very strongly about this, but like many things I am
never sure how far to push it.
The article strikes me as mostly being incomplete and lacking the full
story on breastfeeding (fewer illnesses in the first year ONLY is
mentioned, no list of the diseases that can be minimized by
breastfeeding, only breast cancer mentioned as a disease-benefit for
mom, etc.). Do you just accept the incompleteness since it's mostly
positive, or do you advocate to have it ALL be correct?
Which brings me to a more philosophical question-- when do you stop
when you are trying to advocate for positive, complete information
about breastfeeding? We've been mentioning the problems trying to get
other advocates (those working with SIDS or cancer, etc.) to include
positive breastfeeding messages in their materials. How long to you
try to work with them? I'm just wondering if there is a point after
which there's no use in working on these issues, you know?
I guess i'm very discouraged that an RN would approve of the article
below (the site is run by an RN and she made the statement supporting
the article above). I hope this isn't out of place on this list. I
realize many of you are in the trenches day in & day out, and maybe
this seems like a little thing. But to me it's important-- to know
when to advocate and when to move on, and what it is appropriate to
actively pursue and when it's not worth it. Thoughts?
Teresa G. in NC
Stork Site article:
"Breastfeeding vs. Bottlefeeding: Making the Right Decision For You
by Donna Bozzo, Stork Site Contributing Writer
Should you breastfeed or bottlefeed? It used to be that all
moms breastfed. Then, most moms bottlefed. Moms today have a choice.
Breastfeeding Benefits
For Baby
According to the authors of
What to Expect When Youıre Expecting, breastfeeding provides your
newborn with the most perfect food for infants. Breast milk contains
one hundred beneficial ingredients that arenıt found in cows milk or
formula. Also, breast milk is individualized for each infant. Your
body alters the nutrients in breast milk from day to day depending on
the babyıs needs. Breast milk is also more digestible than cowıs milk
which means breastfed babies are never constipated, rarely have
diarrhea, and theyıre less apt to get diaper rash. Breastfed babies
are also subject to less illness in their first year because a mother
passes immunities through her breast milk to her child.
For You
Breastfeeding is economical. You donıt have to buy bottles, or
sterilizers or formulas. And, thereıs evidence that breastfeeding will
decrease your chance of developing breast cancer. Plus, nursing helps
burn off fat accumulated during pregnancy. Breastfeeding can also
increase the bonding between mother and child.
Bottlefeeding Benefits
Some women choose to bottlefeed formula or breast milk to their
babies. Occasionally, babies will have difficulty breastfeeding and
become accustomed to the bottle nipple preferring it over the breast.
Bottlefeeding can be convenient when you are away from your home. It
also gives Dad the chance to share in feeding time.
The authors suggest that if you arenıt sure whether you should
breastfeed or bottlefeed, definitely begin breastfeeding. The health
benefits are great, and bottlefeeding is always an option. That way
your child will have the advantage of the benefits of breastfeeding
even if only for a short while.
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