In a message dated 12/10/98 3:27:02 PM Eastern Standard Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:

>
>  yes I know all too well that many moms decide they will exclusively
>  bottlefeed from day one, and they deserve mothering help too, but geez,
>  come on.  proper bottlefeeding does need to be taught as well but just this
>  whole idea of bottlefeeding moms needing to get an **LC visit** so they
>  don't feel like 'second class citizens' really sets my jaw out of line...

I am continually amazed by commentary/remarks indicating that bottle-feeding
moms in the U'.S. feel "judged" or "under attack" or like everything in the
health care system is geared toward BFing mothers. In fact, breastfeeding
rates indicate that the *vast* majority of mothers of infants and toddlers in
the US are artificial feeders. Despite recent, minimal gains in the BFing
initiation rate, breastfeeding mothers, particularly of babies over about
three months of age, are in the  *distinct* minority here.  In some regions,
such as my own, breastfeeding mothers are almost statistically non-
existent.Virtually all commercial representations of infancy portray bottle-
feeding as normative, health care literature is covered with pictures of
bottles, and periodically, breastfeeding mothers are actually made to leave
public places. Some women lose their jobs each year because of their status as
lactati ng mothers.

So, if anyone should feel like "second-class citizens" or "under attack", it
is breastfeeding mothers. They represent a persecuted sub-group of  the
American female population. Sure, all new moms need support and assistance.
LCs should be kind and thoughtful in dealing with all women. However, the bulk
of the American health care system is, at present, organized to facilitate
bottle-feeding and disrupt normal breastfeeding. LCs represent an oasis in a
sea of negative, often hostile attitudes and interactions with lactating
women.

Katie Allison Granju
Knoxville, TN