Patricia made excellent points in her recommendations for a bottle
feeding presentation, once I explain to moms that it is not as simple as
dumping some powder or liquid into a bottle and adding some water - they
start to think differently. Mentioning that even in 1999, water supplies
(even in areas where it is 'cleanned' up), still need to be boiled
before using, formula amounts need to be measured precisely and so on,
bottle/formula feeding begins to look like the work it is.

What causes the problem (MHO) is that in the hospital, everything is so
neatly packaged (ie, attractive, cute even) but more importantly sterile
and usually ready to use. Formula feeding under those conditions can be
easier for all involved. However, the big consideration is that most new
families can not afford to purchase sterile equipment and ready to feed
formula for each and every feeding and many HCPs just don't even
consider what this infant will be going home to.

That I think, is completely unfair, and tragic to the infant directly,
but also to the family. Set them up with the best of everything and then
a couple of days later, leave them hanging in the wind. I know the
responsibility lies directly on the formula manufacturers, but HCPs and
hospitals that continue to support and use such practices are also to
blame. It's just amazing to me, that many more HCPs just don't see the
problem and the solutions. Perhaps it is because the OB/L&D don't see
babies/families beyond a certain point postpartum and just don't see the
results of their practices.

Leslie Ward
Vine Grove, KY - soon to unsubscribe, so I can finally move to Texas

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