To the editors of Stocksite:

I have just joined your site and I am pleased to see you have made
breastfeeding information an important part of your site.

However, I do have a few specific concerns about some of the
information presented about breastfeeding.

The latest article on breastfeeding versus bottle feeding leaves a
little to be deserved I think.  Since you have already included the
AAP info earlier in the year in your News section, perhaps it would
be appropriate to include in this latest article some of these other
major benefits of breastfeeding or to refer reader to the AAP
breastfeeding info sites for more information.  I also think that
mentioning the disadvantages of bottle feeding more seriously might
be a good idea.  It has been pointed out that there really are, in
fact, no advantages to bottle feeding from the baby's point of view,
they are all from the parent's perspective.

I also have a few concerns about information recently included in
your You, The New Mom feature.  The advice to wash nipples with soap
and water is very outdated and is not supported by lactation
experts.  This advice could lead to pain and tissue damage if
followed by your readers.

Also the advice to nurse at least 5 minutes on each breast, and 10
minutes on one breast is rather confusing and may lead to
inappropriate breastfeeding.  A mother who follows this advice could
breastfeed on the first side for 5 minutes, switch before having a
letdown or before the baby recieves much hindmilk and then nurse for
10 minutes on the second breast and have the baby receive even more
foremilk.  This situation could lead to complications such as
foremilk-hindmilk imbalance, oversupply, overactive letdown, green
stools, a fussy baby or even a slow growing baby. A better statement
might be to say that a mother should breastfeed on the first breast
until the baby is finished.  Then after burping and possibly
changing, offer the second breast.  It is a good idea for infants to
nurse on both breasts at each feeding in the early weeks when
breastfeeding is becoming established but finishing the first breast
before switching is the best way to help baby to get an adequate
intake of high fat milk.

I realize you may see these comments as nit picking but I am hoping
that you will give them serious consideration.  I hope my comments
do not not sound too negative or critical. I have really enjoyed
reading your articles and find they are caring and attentive to the
needs of your readers. I have submitted my comments only because I
am sure that you would like to only present accurate and helpful
information to your readers.

Perhaps you would consider obtaining an IBCLC or International Board
Certified Lactation Consultant to help you to update your site and
to collaborate with your staff on breastfeeding issues?

Thank you very much for your time.
--
Janet Vandenberg, RN, BScN, IBCLC
Newmarket, Ontario, Canada
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