In a message dated 5/3/00 12:47:48 PM EST, AWILRN writes:

<<
 Years ago I used to talk about how the average mother who breastfed was
college educated.  I felt that made new moms realize it was an educated
choice.
  Talk about the "Urban Elite" and how they always LEAD in trends and
practices.  They are the most educated and the wealthiest-what every average
Joe wants to be, basically, especially young teens. The  urban elite have
basically always breastfed.  The most intelligent people know there is no
substitute for human milk.  Even in the times of wet nurses the eldest child
or Kings to be were often breastfed by their mother for a lengthy period.
 I think the most interesting thing is that the wealthy Beverly Hills Crowd
that are adopting, are now purchasing excess breastmilk (when available) from
our Sacramento Human Milk Bank for their babies, a hefty purchase at around
$75.00-$100.00 a day in the first few weeks.  We know the demand goes up
quickly as a baby doubles his/her weight in 4 months.  These educated parents
(our Urban Elite) know breastmilk is the best choice for their infants and
money is no object, so why not...
 Also, maternal ego is something to discuss.  I tell these moms when they
make the best choice to breastfeed for as long as possible, that indicates to
me that they are very intelligent, mature women, willing to put their babies
first, over any of their needs or conveniences.
 I also often mention that we know the retina and optic nerve development are
not complete at birth and special 'things' they are just now discovering in
breastmilk complete this. We are learning every day about new things in
breastmilk that give the baby the best advantage-we know we could go on and
on!!!
 Good Luck, hope that helps.
 Anne Wiiliams RN BSN IBCLC >>