Sorry that I didn't change the subject line in my sample letter post. Here
are excerpts from another letter re the actual case in New York. More stuff
to use in letters if you wish. Please write this in your own words and from
your own perspective. Be courteous and professional. Laurie
5-22-99
Salon Magazine:
I read your article "Nursed to death" on your website today.  This case
seems very complex but apparently the jury found the mother negligent and
largely responsible for the baby's death. snip
Surely you realize that bottlefeeding babies die too, for various reasons.
Mothers mix their formula improperly, or it is manufactured improperly, or
the babies are not fed often enough.  The instructions
for bottle feeding properly are lengthy too.  The number of feedings and the
dirty diapers need to be monitored just as with breastfeeding.
snip Parents need to know how to assess infant hydration and satiety by
noting number of feeds, swallowing of milk, number of wet diapers and
stools, and other indicators each day.  This should be part of regular
prenatal, inpatient, and discharge education provided to parents by all
doctors and nurses caring for mothers and
babies. Unfortunately, not all doctors and nurses know how to evaluate and
manage breastfeeding. snip
I totally disagree with your opinion that "Tabitha Walrond -- like all new
moms today -- was under considerable pressure to breast-feed..."  On the
contrary, I see formula pushed like crazy on all moms by doctors, nurses,
and formula reps and I see breastfeeding mismanaged and sabotaged every day.
   Health care providers are supposed to be reporting new findings and
making recommendations based on them. To
do anything else would be unethical.  Why would you dilute the importance of
new breastfeeding recommendations by saying "the breast-is-best philosophy
[is] peddled by many hospitals as if bottle-feeding were tantamount to child
abuse."  You wouldn't want health care providers to stop giving advice about
the dangers of
smoking and drinking during pregnancy, or the use of car seats, or putting
babies on their backs to sleep. Thanks for reporting on all facets of this
very sad story.  Please be fair and don't imply that bottle feeding is the
cure all.

Laurie Wheeler, RN, MN, IBCLC
Louisiana Breastfeeding MediaWatch Campaign

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