It is the general concensus in hospitals and by pediatricians that
breastfeeding IS more difficult, takes more nursing and MD time.  We have lactation
consultants but not bottle-feeding consultants.  I know nurses who can bottle feed
a ROCK, but getting a baby latched on is too difficult.

As breastfeeding advocates, we have a responsibility to face up to the fact
that as breastfeeding increases we ARE seeing more readmissions for jaundice
and dehydration.  It is not the fault of breastfeeding or the mothers, it is OUR
(healthcare providers) failure to provide anticipatory guidance and
appropriate follow-up.  It is also a societal problem as mothers do not have enough
role models out there with breastfeeding the norm and everyone knowing how to do
it.

I recently had a generally very breastfeeding-supportive colleage make a
comment: If this baby had been formula fed, he would not have brain damage.  He
was correct as the exclusively breastfed baby was readmitted with a bili of 40
at 6 days of age.

Nancy
Nancy E. Wight MD, IBCLC, FAAP, FABM
Neonatologist
Children's Hospital and Sharp Mary Birch Hospital for Women
Medical Director, Sharp HealthCare Lactation Services
San Diego, CA
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