Did anybody catch the Today show this a.m.?  Katie Couric did an
interview with an MD (GYN, I think) about the latest breastfeeding and
IQ/school performance study.  I meant to watch it, but wouldn't you
know, the phone rang right as the segment started.

You know, I am beginning to think that all this is really getting a
message across, as far as breastfeeding promotion goes.  Yes, that
sounds obvious, but has anyone else noticed how many recent jokes about
breastfeeding on talk shows and comments and coverage on the "serious"
media there have been? How many casual references in other sitcoms over
the past several years?  For breastfeeding to be a source of humor, to
me seems to suggest that the idea is again becoming a part of the
general cultural reference (slowly, ever so slowly...). And just last
night and again this morning I saw an advertisement on television for a
local lingerie shop.  During the course of the ad for the shop they now
highlight their "new mothers'" section, by showing a shot of what
appears to be a nicely stocked and centrally located selection of pumps,
nursing lingerie (some pretty stuff too!) and pillows/stools. This
wasn't there the last time I saw an ad for this store, although since I
have never shopped there, I don't know how long they may have had these
items.  Whatever your feelings are on the paraphernalia, it seems that
someone has decided that having a wide selection of goods designed for
breastfeeding women is a selling point!
   If only somehow we could arrange for a major study or statement to be
released to the media every month or so!!  Keep breastfeeding and
mothering in the news and in front of people's faces! (And minds!)
    Yes, I too had to summon all of my resources not to scream at the
press release by the formula manufacturer regarding the long chain fatty
acids.  Remember the hoopla 3-4 years ago on putting vaccinations in
formula?  To try to look on the positive, and to give myself a goal, I
have concluded that now that the message is getting across on the
wonders of human milk (the product), it is time to begin focusing on the
wonders of breastfeeding (the process).  Breastfeeding is wonderful and
not *just* because of the milk!
     It has only taken, what, 20-30 years to get the message out on the
product?!?  I've got plenty of time!

Only sort-of tongue in cheek,
Andrea Simmons, LLLL
St. Louis MO, USA