From: coleb                Fri Dec 08, 1995 -- 12:08:30 PM
To: [log in to unmask]@
To: Carrie Wiersma

I think we need to be careful when we are so quick to think that moms who
choose to formula feed even after being educated on all the advantages of
breastfeeding don't really care about the health risks at which they are
putting their children.  I was extremely impressed last summer at the ILCA
conference listening to Linda Gort-Walton talk about sexual abuse survivors
during the childbearing years.  It hit me right in the face why there are
probably many women out there who don't want to or are unable to face their
past, even though the child's health and perhaps welfare could be at risk.
These moms need more attention, not a snub because their educated choice is
different than yours or mine.  I was really floored when I realized how many
young girls I have seen in L&D in labor, refusing to separate their knees for
a vag exam prompting comments (how did she get pregnant in the first
place!), were probably from Linda's description sexual abuse survivors.  We
never gave it an empathetic thought.

Since hearing that lecture, I have been much more sensitive to moms who
choose to bottle feed, as long as it is an educated choice.  They don't need
additional guilt put on them.  If the education is increasing their guilt, I
hope I will be aware enough to be able to help that woman get help.

Barb Cole, RN, IBCLC