Janice and others have questioned whether any ad campaign will have
a real effect on breastfeeding numbers.
"If someone were to give me a billion dollars for breastfeeding
support and
promotion, I am now of the mind that I would spend it all  \on
setting up
support groups for moms everywhere (LLL) and educating health
professionals
to be able to knowledgeably support the really difficult cases."

I think what is needed is a multi-faceted approach.  Yes, we have
learned that just saying "breast is best" isn't having any real
impact.  The "here's what's wrong with formula" approach is taking a
different tack, so why not give it a chance?  If it doesn't lead to
more mothers deciding to breastfeed, it still may help increase the
general society support for nursing moms.  An employed mom, for
example may try to convince her boss that by making it easier for
her to pump she may not miss as much work taking care of a sick
infant.  Until the boss hears the same thing from the ad campaign,
he may not pay much attention.  Hopefully the campaign will give
more credence to what the mom is stating.

I would also like to see more emphasis on helping society to see
breastfeeding as normal.  Hmmm-or formula feeding as abnormal?  I
remember a paragraph that was making the rounds 30 years ago or so.
It speculated about a society where crutches had become the norm for
getting around.  When someone would decide to try walking, those
around them were saying things like, "Why would anyone want to do
that?" "We're not so poor that we can't afford crutches." or
"Walking is so outdated.  We have such elcellent crutches now that
using them is as good as walking, maybe even better."

By all means, it is vital that moms also be able to get credible
help in learning to breastfeed effectively and help with any
challenges she may face.  Without this element, the ads may lead to
another round of backlash as we saw not too many years ago.

Winnie

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