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From:
Regina Lane <[log in to unmask]>
Reply To:
Lactation Information and Discussion <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Sat, 20 Apr 1996 11:17:12 -0400
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Don't read this if you don't want to get mad or depressed.  Forewarned is
forearmed.

In the current issue of Vegetarian Times (May 1996) p. 30-31, someone writes
in to ask "what is the best alternative for a mother who can't nurse her
baby?"  The magazine entitles their response "When Breast isn't Best"  and
spends the better part of a column and a half NOT answering her question, but
rather scaring women off about bf!  Even though they spoke to Amy Spangler,
still they manage to focus an inordinate amount of their print space on
galactosemia, cleft palates, the "one in 200 to 300 women" that have
inadequate glandular tissue, and how "teenage mothers who have not had many
periods may not be able to produce enough milk".  Still they haven't answered
this woman's question; they're having too good a time focusing on the rarest
of problems.  Then they have a couple good paragraphs, followed by the
clincher (to me):

"But while it is the rare mother - and the even rarer baby - who is
physically incapable of nursing, [gee thanks for that useless, begrudging
acknowlegement, guys!] there are many new moms who find it well-nigh
impossible.  [how encouraging - NOT!] Few mothers are willing to sit idly by
and watch their infants approach starvation [ARGH!!] because they have not
mastered the art of breast-feeding - a technique that even its most ardent
advocates will agree is learned, not innate. [NOW I get it!  I've learned
something new - obviously, an infant near starvation and a mom who enjoys
watching her child starve are prerequisites to successful lactation!] In
addition, nursing sometimes leads to painful conditions such as mastitis ( a
breast infection), or cracked and bleeding nipples...." [No, nursing doesn't
lead to cracked or bleeding nipples, lack of support, misinformation and
stupidity such as that espoused by this rag of a mag lead to cracked/bleeding
nipples].

Then they address (in one sentence) the difficulties moms have trying to work
and breastfeed ("many others do not have the on-the-job flexibility that the
pumping and storing of breast milk requires.") - remember, all this woman
wants to know is which formula is best to use!  They're quite happy to point
out that "all infant formulas on the market...are sufficient to meet your
baby's needs [I disagree - our perception of a baby's needs have been
dumbed-down by our acceptance of ABM's results] because the federal
government requires blah blah blah.  I'm so reassured now to know that our
beloved Feds in Washington are watching out for babies' health.  I just pray
that they do as good a job with infant health as they've done with the postal
service and the federal deficit (tongue firmly rooted in my cheek).

Eventually, they get around to talking about different types of formula, with
some help from Peggy Robin, author of Bottlefeeding Without Guilt, that
paragon of an endorser of LLL.  By the time you're done with their column,
the impression is that while breast is unfortunately best, it's too difficult
and possibly even too dangerous to bother with.

For any interested parties, respond to The Vegetarian Times Answering Machine
(some answer!) [log in to unmask]  This is not the first time they've
p___ed me off.

Stepping down now,
Regina Roig-Lane

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