valerie is correct in pointing out that all the money spent on formula
research is not being spent on breastfeeding research and support. however,
the current way research is done is, of course, not at all what i have in
mind. i am unfortunately familiar with the way research is done for
mead/johnson right here in denver, and it is so blatantly unethical that it
makes me sick. not to mention the conversation i had with the doctor in
charge of that research who claimed somewhat stridently that "she was a
champion of breastfeeding and had helped many women breastfeed."

its hard to say, realizing the vast oceans of misinformation and bad practice
that surround breastfeeding, whether it is simply a single subject that
receives this kind of treatment, or whether our entire medical system is so
corrupt that we should run screaming from anything connected with it.

i find it hard to imagine that anyone who knows me would suggest i support
improving formula INSTEAD OF research supporting breastfeeding. me? really?
ME?

 like any other drug that has tremendous risks but occasional benefits, it's
here and it needs research. its not the product, its the way it is used. we
don't use chemotherapy for dry skin, but as terrible as it is, it seems to
have its uses.

and there is a definable societal and monetary return on breastfeeding; it is
just not as clearly recognized. or perhaps the surplus of population that is
eliminated due to not breastfeeding is a surplus that is acceptable to those
who make the bigger (government money, grants, etc.) decisions. maybe those
mothers who are clients of those who "know better" are dispensable. it
wouldn't be the first time.

carol brussel IBCLC

milk contest in thailand - someone worries that someone is getting "free
human milk samples." rest assured, no one has to resort to subterfuge to get
human milk samples. no, all they have to do is offer free formula and a
breast pump and women are happy to oblige, including full medical histories
and blood tests, etc., of themselves and their babies. scream. hey, that's
how we do it in the mile high city!

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