The first thing I want to point out is - you are making an absolute
statement when you say there are no absolutes.  This is a self-refuting
statement.  And, if you accept this point, then there is NO point in
doing any evidence-based research, making any rules in society, or
making any judgments about anything.  We can all just say - hey this is
my opinion and my opinion is as good as yours. So what if a mom chooses
to formula-feed - it's just a choice.  Nothing really matters because -
hey, there are no absolutes!  Our world has given over to this idea of
no absolutes, no rights and wrongs, non-judgmental, no truth.  As
lactation consultants, we are being PAID to make judgments, to help
mothers sort things out.  We are supposed to have a body of knowledge,
to care about right and wrong, etc.  The WHO growth charts have a range
of percentages, for instance.  We make a judgment when we say - we will
use THESE charts and not Ross charts.  We are also making a judgment
statement when we ask mothers to pay attention to their hearts and guts
- their babies' actions and reactions - and not JUST a chart.  I think
the current climate of quality breastfeeding research is wonderful -
because it gives some "absolutes" to go by, instead of going by gut
instinct.  Hartmann, Coryllos, Meir, and so many other researchers are
to be celebrated because they are trying to come up with some guidelines
that can help us be more successful with promoting breastfeeding and
solving problems.  Just my 0.2.

-----Original Message-----
From: Lactation Information and Discussion
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Winnie Mading
Sent: Thursday, February 07, 2008 9:49 AM
Subject: It's all about the language

"if you are seeing babies gaining just five ounces a week in the early
weeks there is a problem".

This statement cought my attention also.  My problem is with the word
"IS".  It's not only docs that immediately say something is wrong when a
baby doesn't match some predetermined criteria.  We can be just as
guilty of it.  Certainly we know that there are averages and that while
most babies will fall within those averages, others will be outside them
without it being a problem.  We, also, have to be careful not to say
things like, "If baby doesn't have at least X wet or dirty diapers there
IS a problem." or "If baby doesn't nurse at least X times in 24 hours
(or more times than X in the same 24 hours) there IS a problem." or "If
baby doesn't gain at least X weight in X period of time there IS a
problem." etc. etc. etc.   When a baby falls outside any of these
parameters we need to think, "this MAY indicate a problem".  Then we
look at the myriad of other factors including baby's general overall
behavior, development, health etc.   I think many times we do this
without involving any drastic thinking or plan as we look at all aspects
of the baby in total.  When everything else looks "normal" we are more
likely to think that while a certain parameter is outside the average
for babies in general, it may well be normal for THIS baby.  We might
follow that parameter a little more closely for a while to be sure since
in a few cases it COULD be an early indicator of a problem, but in the
vast majority of situations, if all else is "normal" it is likely just a
different norm for this baby.

I am wary of any absolute terms such as "will" "must" "never" "is" etc.
One of my favorite expressions, and one I have used in clases many times
is, "The only absolute is that there are no absolutes!"

Winnie Mading

             ***********************************************

Archives: http://community.lsoft.com/archives/LACTNET.html
To reach list owners: [log in to unmask]
Mail all list management commands to: [log in to unmask]
COMMANDS:
1. To temporarily stop your subscription write in the body of an email:
set lactnet nomail
2. To start it again: set lactnet mail
3. To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet
4. To get a comprehensive list of rules and directions: get lactnet
welcome

             ***********************************************

Archives: http://community.lsoft.com/archives/LACTNET.html
To reach list owners: [log in to unmask]
Mail all list management commands to: [log in to unmask]
COMMANDS:
1. To temporarily stop your subscription write in the body of an email: set lactnet nomail
2. To start it again: set lactnet mail
3. To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet
4. To get a comprehensive list of rules and directions: get lactnet welcome