Here is my suggestion for a spin on how to keep this issue alive.

Focus on the unacceptably vulnerable state of US babies, largely dependent
on a form of nutrition which requires EVERYTHING to be optimal in order to
avoid serious illness.  We don't know when or where the next disaster will
strike, but when it does, babies will die, just as they have died in this
one (I read that at least 3 infants died in the Superdome before help
arrived, 'from heat'.  I am guessing these were not breastfed babies).
These are AVOIDABLE deaths.  We have the resources, we have the knowledge,
but for some reason there is a lack of will as a country to secure these
young citizens' first 'homeland'.  It must not be allowed to continue.  The
homeland is only as secure as its weakest point.  Who will advocate for the
babies?

The AAP certainly should be out there, trying to spread the word about how
to avoid similar needless deaths in another disaster, but as long as they
rely on sponsorship from formula companies they are unlikely to make much
noise about the risks of artificial feeding.  

My fear?  That the media will grab this angle and tilt it, so that the
mothers who were not supported to breastfeed will be blamed for putting
their babies in danger - and the professionals whose collusion with industry
is largely to blame, will smugly continue on their way.

Rachel Myr
Kristiansand, Norway

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