Miriam Levitt's post got me to thinking more about how we are promoting
breastfeeding.  I think we are missing the boat. We've hitched our horse to
the wrong sail (or something). We are pushing breastfeeding as good,
healthful, for everyone. We are saying it should be easy.  But look at
commercials and ads. The common people are out. No more cinema verite soap
commercials talking with Mrs. Ordinary on which laundry load smells better.
Danger is in. Elite is in. Money is in. People are willing to pay $65,000 US
to suffer the sufferings of hell for months at a time just to climb Mount
Everest.

"Breastfeeding! Are you good enough? Breastfeeding, it's not for everyone,
but if you are willing to face the challenge of your life, go for it. No
lack of hospital staff ready to throw obstacles in your way. You will be
buffetted by poor information. You will be mocked for your persistence. You
will doubt the wisdom of what you are doing. It will be painful, it will be
exhausting. Even your family will turn against you.

"But if you get through it, you will have lived the experience of your life.

"Breastfeeding: It's not for just anyone."

Jack Newman, MD, FRCPC