Kathy you are not the only one who got upset with the cavalier attitude
of formula risk, in particular the recent HIV case, but also in our
culture in general.

If anyone had even dared mention to me that formula and breast milk were
different, I would have probably nursed my first two children longer.
Had I known the risks I was taking with #2, setting off a life of
allergies and compromised immune system, I would have nursed until she
weaned rather than weaning simply for social reasons. Both of my formula
children were switched to different formulas because of allergy problems
- it should have been a red flag for me - but then the doctors were
telling me, people aren't allergic to food.  Go figure that - and I was
not thinking clearly enough to realize how stupid that was.

That is why I my last two were breastfed until they weaned inspite of
all comments, obstacles and non-supportive medical persons, as I knew
the risks.

Your statement is one I try to emphasize as the greatest risk of formula
use - you can't tell beforehand if your child will do ok on formula,
have some problems (like mine) or develop a serious (life threatening)
condition. And these things do happen even in 1999 and even in the US.

I sent a note privately to a fellow LactNetter that the cynic in me
feels that the main reason we do not see the tragic outcomes of formula
use is that when a major disaster happens, the formula manufacturers
move in quickly with the big bucks given on the guarantee of silence.

My only other question is, has anyone mentioned donor milk to the Oregon
family - so that mom can get what she wants (human milk for her baby)
and the state can get what they want (mom not breastfeeding)? Just
another angle for this sad case.

Leslie Ward
Vine Grove, KY

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