This thread has me a bit concerned.   Does the ped who only sees breastfed
babies also exclude those babies who are artifically fed because they are
adopted,  or the mother had primary lactation failure? 
Does this mean that these babies and mothers could not see, what may be a
wonderful ped, because of circumstances that are somewhat beyond their
control?  At the risk of being flamed here, we have to admit that, at least
until and "if" human milk becomes widely available, ABM has its place.  Of
course, it has its risks, but as someone pointed out it probably is not
right to compare it with the risks of cigarette smoking.  Cigarette smoking
is never good for you or necessary, but in some cases ABM is the only
alternative.
It is clear that the heavy promotion of ABM is profit based.  More milk
banks are needed where babies could recieve breastmilk, perhaps by
prescription for those women who truely cannot breastfeed, but as many have
said, this is probably not going to happen in the near future.  And not to
be too pessimistic, but until there is some profit in the milk bank system,
it probably isn't ever going to happen.  So, what are we left with?  Babies
who can not be seen by any health care provider because they are not bf?  
Is that the goal??   I agree that the risks of formula should be explained
so that each mother can make an informed choice and I don't agree with the
"don't make anyone feel guilty" pussy footing around.  On the other hand,
if we really paint ABM as really terrible, where does that leave the mother
who then must give her baby ABM?   Perhaps the compassionate response is to
remind mothers that a century ago, babies who were fed artifically often
died.  We are much luckier than that now.  I often tell my parents that
formula is not the "f" word, but I do also try to inform them of all the
possiblities of their choices/possible circumstances.  
Should I be getting out my asbestos suit? 
Smiles, 
Merilee 
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