>Not only does the practice of putting "things" (ie,
>sweetease, formula, etc) on the nipple to "entice" 
>the baby concern me, it makes me plain CRAZY.  I 
>don't see the rationale behind this, maybe someone
>can enlighten me.  

I wouldn't call it enlightening, but it was common practice with soothers, which probably could use something to make them more enticing <g>. Perhaps a case of transference.

>There are several thought-provoking articles, one by Linda Palmer, DC
>author of Baby Matters and a series of articles by Nils Bergman on the
chemistry of attachment and how important the sense of smell is to
>attachment and learning to breastfeed.  I suspect that putting things 
>like formula, sucrose, or offering scented pacifiers screws up baby's 
>ability to smell its mother's natural body odour and inhibits its ability 
>to find the nipple. 

>The biology of breastfeeding is fascinating - I can't help it.  I 
>also have a degree in biology.

Thanks for the suggested references.  I find breastfeeding biology fascinating too.  My first degree was a mishmash of psych, anthropology and biology, including a whole course on attachment.  I think you are right on target in your comments.

Judith Hayman, BSc, BScN, RN, IBCLC
Public Health Nurse, Lactation Consultant
Caledonia, ON

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