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Subject:
From:
Debbie McClurg-Hitt <[log in to unmask]>
Reply To:
Lactation Information and Discussion <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Wed, 11 Oct 1995 15:20:15 -0500
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Hi fellow Lactnetters,
Has anybody read the October issue of FDA Consumer?  There's an article
entitled, "Breast-Feeding Gest Bet for Babies," by Rebecca D. Willaims.  The
first part of the article is pretty good, pointing out some of the
well-known advantages of breastfeeding.  HOWEVER, as I got to the section
"Possible Problems,"  I had some "problems."  Here are some excerpts:
"For all its health benefits, BFing does have some disadvantages.  In the
early weeks, it can be painful.  A woman's nipples may become sore or
cracked.  She may experience engorgement more than a bottle-feeding mother,
when the breasts become so full of milk they're hard and painful.  Some
nursing women also develop clogged milk ducts, which can lead to mastitis, a
painful infection of the breast.
Another possible disadvantage of nursing is that it affects a woman's entire
lifestyle. (Like having a newborn doesn't anyway???)  A nursing nother with
baby-in-tow must wear clothes that enable her to nurse anywhere, or she'll
have to find a private place to undress.  She should eat a balanced diet and
she might need to avoid foods that irritate the baby.  She also shouldn't
smoke, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea and restlessness in the baby, as
well as decreased milk production."
In a sidebar entitled, "Tips for Success," it says to expect
engorgement..."Making her breasts big, hard, and painful for a few days."
Also states "the nursing mother needs a balanced diet that includes 500
extra calories a day and 6-8 glasses of fluid.  She should also rest as much
as possible to prevent breast infections, which are aggravated by fatigue."
It then goes on to talk about going back to work and gives the options of
pumping or using formula whiel away from the baby.  Then it says, "In either
case, a nursing mother is physically tied to her baby more than a
bottle-feeding mother.  The baby needs her for nourishment, and she needs to
nurse regularly to avoid getting uncomfortably full breasts."
They do go on to say that mothers often cite this close relationship as one
of the greatest joys of nursing  "Besides, nursing mothers can get away
between feedings if they need a break."
When telling the mother to learn as much as possible before her baby is
born, the author lists OBs, pediatricians, childbirth instructors, nurses,
and midwives.  They also give LLL's 800 number.  No mention is made of
Lactation Consultants or other people knowledgeable about BFing.
Well, needless to say, I plan to write a little letter to FDA Consumer.  If
anyone else is interested, the address is:
Judith Levine Willis, editor
FDA Consumer
Food & Drug Administration (HFI040)
5600 Fishers Lane
Rockville, MD  20857

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