Jeanne posted about the omission of breastfeeding in efforts to limit
asthma attacks.  I am equally frustrated about the failure of
non-breastfeeding advocacy groups to include the impact of breastfeeding on
health.  Some recent examples:

The president of the SIDS Center in Wisconsin sent word that she was
"offended" by my statement (in a position paper on wellness promotion
through breastfeeding support) that lack of breastfeeding was a risk factor
for SIDS. Her statement: "Currently the opinion of the Wisconsin SIDS
Center is that there is no proof that breastfeeding impacts the outcome of
SIDS.  There is no direct causal relationship.  The use of the word
prevention in particular is offensive to SIDS parents..."  (Actually, we
never used the word prevention).

A local physician who specializes in osteoporosis gave a lecture to a
women's group in November about prevention strategies and omitted any
mention of breastfeeding.  When asked, he stated he had just come from an
international conference, and extended breastfeeding had been identified
there as a risk factor for osteoporosis.  When asked what constituted
"extended," he said "six months."

I have not seen one reference to breastfeeding in the many lists of
protective measures publicized during "Breast Cancer Awareness Month."

I have been part of a new task force formed to promote measures to enhance
optimal infant brain growth.  I feel like a broken record, constantly
having to remind this group of professionals that it all begins with
breastfeeding.  (But I think they are maybe beginning to take note).

Has anyone ever seen any reference to the importance of breastfeeding in
the literature of diabetes groups?

Sometimes I just want to scream!  Why are we not getting through to people
outside our breastfeeding circles?

Anne Altshuler, RN, MS, IBCLC and LLL leader in Madison, Wisconsin
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