Yesterday had to be the worst day of my lactation career (8 1/2 years).

A little while back I posted asking for formula risk facts because it seemed
like every time I turned around formula was being given to a breastfed baby
and the nurses didn't seem to think it was any big deal.

Thanks to all who responded.  I took the information and made a mini poster
about "Why Not" give formula to a breastfed baby.  I tried really hard to
make it factual and not offend anyone (God forbid).  I said it is the
parents choice but it is our job to make it an informed choice based on
facts.

Now, mind you, this was intended for the nurses to read, I wasn't even
asking that we give it out to the patients.  I wanted the nurses to think
twice before they suggested formula, or gave it when a breastfeeding Mom
asked for it.

I was told it offended one of the nurses (she took it down) and it was
biased and if a Mom asked for formula we should just give it to her - it was
her choice after all.  I was also told "most" babies won't suffer serious
allergies or that other stuff (which made me wonder what is the magic number
of babies that do suffer that makes it important or even "okay" to inform
people about the risks).  I was told I was biased (well, Duh! Of course I'm
biased) and it would upset the dr's (now we wouldn't want to do that,
especially if it points out their ignorance because they don't know these
things and they should!).

Another point I had made in the poster was formula disturbs the gut flora
and ph.  I said this DOES happen, it's not a "might" happen thing.  The
manager that was "talking" to me said "My baby got formula right from the
start and she suffered no ill effects."  I wanted to say "My mother smokes
and hasn't died from cancer, so according to your logic I can go around
saying it's okay to smoke?"

I was "allowed" to reword it so it wasn't so offensive and inflammatory.  I
had to take out "based on facts", because supposedly everything could be
challenged.

I thought to myself, are we so afraid of the truth?  If so, what are we
afraid will happen.

What's really discouraging, my hospital is considered one of the best in our
area in terms of support for breastfeeding.

It was a sad, sad day.

-Andrea

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