LACTNET Archives

Lactation Information and Discussion

LACTNET@COMMUNITY.LSOFT.COM

Options: Use Forum View

Use Monospaced Font
Show Text Part by Default
Show All Mail Headers

Message: [<< First] [< Prev] [Next >] [Last >>]
Topic: [<< First] [< Prev] [Next >] [Last >>]
Author: [<< First] [< Prev] [Next >] [Last >>]

Print Reply
Subject:
From:
Cathy Bargar <[log in to unmask]>
Reply To:
Lactation Information and Discussion <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Tue, 25 May 1999 12:40:18 -0400
Content-Type:
text/plain
Parts/Attachments:
text/plain (47 lines)
Most of what I know about this case comes from lactnet, as I've been
deliberately avoiding news from TV, radio, print media, etc. (Sometimes it
all is just too much to take in, and I just flop over like a tender seedling
exposed to too much sun...)

But I feel like I have to say this: babies die sometimes. Some of them are
breastfed babies, some of them are formula-fed babies, some (like in this
case) are not-fed-at-all babies. So while there are many lessons that can be
taken from what we know of this story, most particularly the importance of
having many eyes and ears and voices following up with new moms and babies
so that these things don't "slip through the cracks", it was obviously NOT
breastfeeding that caused this baby to die. Now, I know that you all here
know that, no use preaching to the converted; but it's equally clear to me
that there is no use in us BF advocates rising to the bait that this sad
story (or its presentation by the media, more accurately) sets out.

It isn't about BFing, it isn't about bottle-feeding. I guess we don't know
what-all it's about, but it's at least in large measure about a young woman
whose ability to see and judge and act appropriately were impaired. We don't
know by what she was impaired - mental or emotional dysfunction, poor
judgement, insufficient information, past history/life's lessons, whatever.
We don't know. It's unfortunate, but sometimes bad things happen.

Mothers need to be responsible for their children, in our society. Society
needs equally to be responsible to parents in providing them the information
and support that they need to do the job - but it's parents' job to keep
their kids fed and appropriately cared for, and sometimes it just doesn't
happen. I truly do not say this coldly, nor am I "blaming" a parent here.
All I am trying to say is what is, always has been, always will be the case:
some people just can't do the job, and some babies die.

"Them vs. Us"  thinking doesn't really help anyone, even when it's posited
as BF advocates vs. the formula-feeding culture. It's pleasurable sometimes,
and sometimes it's even accurate or correct, but very rarely does it help to
bring about a positive, inclusive climate where all of us can get what we
need. I don't wanna play this time around!

Cathy Bargar, RN, IBCLC Ithaca NY (wondering if seeing so very much life and
death, even of babies, over the years has hardened me; what am I missing in
this story?)

             ***********************************************
The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned
LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(TM)
mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to:
http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html

ATOM RSS1 RSS2