Hi all,
    I think we need to remember we are not "bashing formula" we are only
pointing out factual information about the "side effects" of a
pharmaceutical.  We are pointing out these side effects as they relate to
short term use, long term use, and even long term effects after use has
ended.  I have no problem with stating facts.  The idea that we cannot "hurt
her feelings" only feeds the paternalistic idea that "we women" are just to
stupid to make an intelligent choice and deal with the consequences.

 As for those moms who do not breastfeed, their feelings about the choice
will vary as will their reasons.  If she used formula short term because she
had no choice--baby was truly hungry and she truly did not have enough milk
or perceived it to be not enough, she still has the right to know the risk vs
benefits.  We do the same for other "treatments."  If she simply chooses not
to breastfeed because she does not want to, I really have no problem with her
knowing she is not giving her child a normal start.  I also have no problem
with letting moms know smoking hurts their children, drugs hurt their
children, not using a car seat is a risky and dangerous thing to do, etc.  I
do not do this because of her feelings, I do this because no one else will --
I do this for the baby who has a right to a normal start.  It is possible to
speak of facts without attacking or insulting.

  While we are at it, let's change the language to include the act of
BREASTfeeding, not just providing BREASTmilk.

 When I taught feeding classes as part of childbirth ed. or as part of WIC
infant feeding, I taught the correct way to feed a baby requires skin to
skin contact,  the mother is the only one who should feed the baby for
several months, babies need to be lying on their sides because this is the
best way for them to breathe while eating, taught correct way for their necks
and chins to be, how a feeding should not be a rushed affair so you can get
on with other things, etc.  Funny how hard it is to correctly feed a baby
with a bottle.  Then, I always said for those of you who will not breastfeed
(I did not say could not because I believe in positive thinking until proven
otherwise.), you need to follow breastfeeding behavior for feedings.  The
idea being, if you cannot do it with a breast, don't do it with a bottle.

 I think when we see breastfeeding as more than just a way to get breastmilk
to a baby, the way we handle problems changes and the value we give to
breastfeeding changes.  (Now, I know that is a "preaching to the choir"
comment.)  Sometimes this means mom gets artificial milk fed to her baby at
the breast for very real reasons, but allows her to still feed her baby the
"normal" way even if not the "normal" milk.  Not all women give birth to
their children and not all women can provide their own milk for their
children, but that does not mean they cannot feed their babies "normally."
(With the exception of those moms who have lost their breasts to surgery, and
I would hope guilt is the least of their concerns.) It is not just artificial
milk that has caused problems, it is the idea of a bottle being as good as a
breast.  Oh well, I know that day will never come.  After all, that would
mean women need to be with their children and in the US I do not see that
happening for the majority of women.    But that is another
issue................

Pam MazzellaDiBosco, IBCLC, nursing toddler twins while typing.

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