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I agree as many as possible should express their thoughts about the long
article in the February 3, 1997 issue of TIME.  "Fertile Minds :  From birth,
a baby's brain cells proliferate wildly, making connections that may shape a
lifetime of experience.  The first three years are critical."  Breastfeeding
is never mentioned, yet 'Windows of opportunity" are discussed and the value
of early experience.  The last two paragraphs sums up the article:

"What lessons can be drawn from the new findings?  Among other things it is
clear that foreign languages whould be taught in elementary school, if not
before.  That remedial education may be more effective at the age of three or
four than at nine or 10.  That good, affordable day care is not a luxury or a
fringe benefit for welfare mothers and working parents but essential brain
food for the next generation.  For while new synapses continue to form
throughout life, and even adults continually refurbish their minds through
reading and learning, never again will the brain be able to master new skills
so readily or rebound from setbacks so easily.

Rat-a-tat-tat.  Rat-a-tat-tat.  Rat-a-tat-tat.  Just last week, in the U.S.
alone, some 77,000 newborns began the miraculous process of wiring their
brains for a lifetime of learning.  If parents and policymakers don't pay
attention to the conditions under which this delicate process takes place, we
will all suffer the consequences--starting around the year 2010."

Sign,  what a waste.  They want parents and policymakers to pay attention to
the value of early experience and the first three years of life.  Lets tell
them what major part of that experience they left out in order that brain
development can be optimal.
Write those e-mails LACTNETTERS!
Jane Bradshaw RN, BSN, IBCLC