To the poster who changed her bf classes a bit and started getting negative
evaluations and who wonders if her attendees are shutting her off:
This is a very, very important question and complicated, IMO. There has been
much published and posted on lactnet too about this and speaking the truth
about hazards of artifical feeding vs benefits of bf. But, then again, if
you can get the moms bf, and continuing past the first few weeks, often they
are won over and will continue. So you have to be able to reach them first.
The bottle feeding culture and formula marketers are very very strong
influences. In my area of the world, The deep south USA, bf rates are not
real high and especially continuation rates and exclusivity are low.
I usually approach the birthing influence part of it like this. I ask the
class what have you heard to do to prepare for bf? Often I get toughen the
nipples, etc. Then I give them the things they could be doing: LLL mtgs,
suggested readings, "natural" childbirth, and I tell them that these moms
recover faster, are alert and mobile and so are the babies. They don't feel
targeted if they are planning an epidural but it gives them something to
think about. I say, If you are considering this option of a "natural
childbrith" (Lamaze is the most common class available, few do Bradley) that
it is a very worthwhile thing to consider, that it should help bf.
As to the formula hazards, I approach it like "I was amazed to learn that
formula feeding increases the risk of xxxx" and that "there are xxx formula
recalls every month". I share that the more I read and learn the more I
realize how important breastfeeding is, and not just a little bit better. In
the USA you can read right from the AAP policy which is very strong and
convincing. So that it feels more like I am finding this out along with
them, but not preaching down to them, acting superior. Also let them know
that not everyone will be where you are in your attitudes about bf, but that
you are there to support them in whatever their goals are. Until we change
the greater culture, and I feel THE MOST IMPORTANT THING IS FOR HEALTHCARE
PROVIDERS, PARTICULARLY PHYSICIANS (at least in the USA), TO CHANGE THEIR
ATTITUDES AND EMBRACE AND ENDORSE BF, we will have a very long road ahead. I
struggle with this same quandary every day, often biting my tongue when I
could be saying "see, you should have bf!"

Laurie Wheeler, RN, MN, IBCLC
Violet Louisiana, s.e. USA

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