Breastfeeding not always an option

Someone in Montreal might like to respond to this letter in the Gazette and point out that those in charge of infant health in Haiti are the ones asking for no formula (can quote UNICEF). There is no acceptable alternative to breastfeeding in Haiti- even if the mother is HIV positive the risk of death due to formula feeding is greater than the risk of contracting HIV. Formula donations in emergencies kill babies, it's as simple as that.
Would like to know what the original letter writer said  if anyone saw it.
Karleen Gribble
Australia


The GazetteFebruary 4, 2010

 Re: "Don't discourage breastfeeding" (Letters, Jan 29).
While no one is debating that breast milk is best, it is not always a viable option. It is tragic that people are discouraging others from sending formula to Haiti.

What about infants who have lost their mothers, or have mothers too injured to nurse? What about babies of HIV-positive mothers, or mothers with low milk supply due to their own dehydration?

Mixing formula in unsanitary conditions might pose a risk, so please donate ready- to-serve formula. All babies deserve a fighting chance and the best feeding option given the circumstances. Formula is the only acceptable option when breast milk is not available.

To say that donating formula "discourages breastfeeding" is comparable to saying that donating condoms discourages abstinence. Please put your breastfeeding ideologies aside and help feed the babies.

Kaitlyn Robertson David

Laval

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