Ha! Yes, I meant breastmilk not blackmail in my first sentence. That's what
I get for typing on my phone and not getting to a proper computer.

I personally never say "breast is best" because it's a formula slogan. The
local Similac rep uses this slogan with our pediatricians "Breast is Best.
Similac for the Rest" so it's not a term I would use. But I think the very
idea that saying so is emotional blackmail is just way over the top and
implying that we as educators simply should not educate. I also believe
that it should go without saying that if a mom is already formula feeding
that harping on all the benefits of breastfeeding makes zero sense if she
has come for help. I can't imagine anyone would do that (although I'm sure
someone, somewhere has) I just can't imagine that the grand majority of
IBCLC's when presented with a mom who is formula feeding would then launch
into trying to guilt the mom into breastfeeding by harping on all the
benefits of breastmilk and the risk of formula.

The majority of time when there is a mother in my office or my LLL group
who is using formula or has used formula it is because they were scared
into it by hospital staff. I have heard just the most horrific stories from
the mothers I work with about the tactics used at some local hospitals to
get them to use formula. From what I've seen the guilt starts there. With
physicians and nurses in the hospital telling them that they are going to
hurt their baby. By the time the mom reaches me she is so beaten up and I
see it as my job to uplift her and motivate her. I always tell moms my goal
is to help you reach your breastfeeding goals.

But if we're talking about a pregnant mom or just educating the general
public then we are 100% going to talk about the risk of formula feeding.
It's on slide two of every presentation and class I give.

Take Care,

*Alicia C. Simpson MS, RD, IBCLC, LD*
Maternal and Pediatric Dietitian
International Board Certified Lactation Consultant
Main Office: 1164 North Highland Ave, Atlanta, GA 30306
*Now serving patients at our new offices in Alpharetta/Roswell *
Phone: 678-607-6052
Fax: 770-909-1402
Email: [log in to unmask]
*www.peapodnutrition.org <http://www.peapodnutrition.org>*

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