Lactnuts,
Becoz the discussion continues about the law and order episode and
mediawatching, I'll share my letter. Note I didn't know if formula influence
was actual, but I questioned whether it was. Regards Barbara Latterner's
questions, I do feel that it would be appropriate for ILCA, LLL, and local
affiliates etc to send an official letter to the network. Just as the AMA or
other prof. assn. might send a letter if a program (like the BFHI) was
misrepresented. Or if downright misinformation about diabetes, say, was
presented. We all realize that the show is fiction, but it is a real-life
based kind of show. Laurie
>
>Dear Law and Order:
>
>I am writing about your Feb 9 episode, billed as the most controversial
>episode ever. I presume it was based on the Tabitha Walrond case in New
>York.  In the actual case, there were several high risk factors.  So the
>real Tabitha Walrond and the character in your episode should have been in
>contact from birth with an international board certified lactation
>consultant (IBCLC), not a "lactation counselor."  The IBCLC's number 1 rule
>is "feed the baby" and supplementation is recommended quickly when that is
>warranted, as would have been in your fictional case.  The IBCLC would at
>the same time work on improving the breastfeeding to its optimal level,
>even if long-term supplementation was necessary.
>
>I was shocked that the portrayal of "Baby Friendly" hospitals was so far
>from the truth. I am currently working with and for the baby friendly
>process. IT INVOLVES NO CONTRACTS FOR THE FAMILIES, but rather promotes a
>hospital environment that is supportive of breastfeeding.  If the hospital
>was truly certified, the staff and the families would be highly educated
>about breastfeeding, as that is part of the several year process to become
>certified.  Mothers that want to or need to formula feed are welcomed and
>helped to do so.  I wonder if your show was influenced in any way by
>formula makers and marketers.
>
>It is easy for an IBCLC to assess whether a baby is feeding adequately and
>to teach the parents to do so.  There are several indicators, which are
>obvious by the 4th or 5th day of life, that tell if the baby is getting
>enough milk. THESE INDICATORS SHOULD HAVE BEEN STATED PROMINENTLY in your
>show so that families would know if they were in fact doing well with
>breastfeeding or needing help.  In case you didn't know,  bottlefeeding
>babies die too, for lots of reasons.  Besides such illnesses as infection,
>asthma, diabetes, cancer, and anaphylaxis, parents mix formula improperly,
>dilute it or concentrate it, or it is manufactured improperly or
>contaminated, or the babies are not fed enough.  The instructions for
>bottle feeding properly are lengthy and complex.  The number of feedings
>and the dirty diapers and all the other indicators of a thriving infant
>need to be monitored just as with breastfeeding.
>
>I totally disagree with your portrayal of the character as being under
>considerable pressure to breastfeed. On the contrary, I see formula pushed
>like crazy on all moms by doctors, nurses, and formula reps and I see
>breastfeeding mismanaged and sabotaged every day.  I hope in the future you
>will use an IBCLC  or a physician who is a member of the Academy of
>Breastfeeding Medicine as your consultant on this topic. Please be fair and
>do your homework.
>
>Laurie Wheeler, RN, MN, IBCLC
Louisiana Breastfeeding Mediawatch Campaign

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