>In a message dated 5/21/2004 2:26:34 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
>[log in to unmask] writes:
>
>We have to be sensitive and aware, that we are dealing with women's
>bodies, that breastfeeding is a political and cultural issue in a way
>that wearing a cycle helmet just isn't....that feeding choices have a
>*history* of being influenced in all sorts of ways (see Gabrielle
>Palmer)....that any individual woman may have a personal and
>highly-charged issue pertaining to her own breasts over and above the
>'accident' of belonging to a particular 'place' in time.
>
>Heather, are you saying that because of the long history and
>influences of the formula industry that we cannot discuss with
>mothers the risk of formula feeding?


Absolutely not!! How can you ask me that, Ann ? :)

In almost every post on this matter, I have stressed my own position
is that we must discuss risks of formula feeding with mothers, in an
honest, truthful way.....but that my concern is that because of the
'specialness' of infant feeding and its unique role, we need to be
careful not to think of this dialogue in the same way as we do cycle
helmets and similar.  I feel quote strongly about this - please
forgive my passion on it! : )))

With respect, you are mistaken in thinking that the cultural context
of breastfeeding  has only changed since the invention of formula.
There is evidence that women's feeding choices have been affected
hugely by cultural and political issues for hundreds, if not
thousands of years (see Gabrielle Palmer, as I suggested).

Heather Welford Neil
NCT bfc, UK

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