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Subject:
From:
Winifred Mading <[log in to unmask]>
Reply To:
Lactation Information and Discussion <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Thu, 7 Jun 2007 10:16:01 -0500
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I wonder if the all too common attitude that colostrum and mature milk are
two totally different "products" isn't at least influenced by the way we
buy cow milk at the store.  It comes as cream, whole milk, 2%, 1% or skim. 
Of course, these are all a continuum of the same product, but I wonder if
subtly people see them as different and apply the same "logic" to human
milk.
I, too, became very frusted with the "just colostrum" and "milk not in yet"
attitudes, not just from mothers, but from professionals who should know
better!  The view of colostrum as different, sometimes even "bad" fror baby
varies with cultural background, but it seems to occur to some extent in
every culture.  There are so many imbedded cultural attitudes that impact
how we see breastfeeding and we need to try to change the attitude about
each of them.  "Formula as the norm" is one that is so pervasive-both
blatent and subtle.  This view of colostrum is another big one.  We as
breastfeeding advocates should have these terms totally wiped from our
vocabulries!  I used to talk about colostrum, but changed many years ago to
saying "early milk" and "later milk".  Even "mature milk" can leave the
thought that it is immature, incomplete, not good enough yet, worthless
etc. earlier.  Talking about how milk changes to suit baby's needs and
development points out that this is a very positive thing, not a
shortcoming.  It is one of the many aspects of breastfeeding that the
non-breastfed baby misses out on!  
Instead of talking about "milk coming in", I like to talk about how after
the first few days the production "kicks into high gear".  The fact that it
isn't there in high volumes at first is actually a wonderful thing for the
baby.  Having to "work for his food" is a whole new skill for baby.  Isn't
it a kindness that he gets to practice and develop this skill on a low flow
at first!  If babies needed large volumes at first it would be there or
else the human species would have died out ages ago!

Winnie

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