I guess I have a different take on the breastfeeding article that appeared in 
the Boston Globe today. I found it a rather inane article that portrayed La 
Leche League and breastfeeding in a rather poor light. It seems that some of 
these writers just cannot fathom that breastfeeding is not a joke, not the 
military, and that breastfeeding mothers are not out to do indecent things in 
public. This tiresome approach is getting old. The article starts out saying, 
"It's the revenge of the breast-feeding women! That's how the uninitiated 
must feel here in Lactation Nation." Another sentence---"...[breastfeeding 
advocates]"....want us to feel comfortable saying nipple. To be at one with 
the breast pump."  This is the letter to the editor that I fired off today.

To the Editor:
 
Here we go again – another flippant, factually incorrect,and silly article on 
breastfeeding (“The breast-feeding brigade,” April 18). I never cease to be 
amazed at the outright ignorance and refusal of the media to actually report 
something factual and useful about breastfeeding. First of all, it is the 
American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) not the “American Pediatric 
Association” who recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months 
of life and the continuation of breastfeeding with appropriate complementary 
foods until twelve months or beyond. This health behavior is recommended to 
enhance cognitive development, construct an immune system, and reduce the 
current epidemic of preventable diseases and conditions such as allergy, 
asthma, overweight, obesity, and diabetes. Lactating women require worksite 
protection of breastfeeding. Savvy employers know that there will be less 
absenteeism, greater retention of employees, and reduction of health claims 
for preventable illness when accommodation for lactation is provided in the 
work place. Acting Governor Jane Swift is a wise public servant. She knows 
the lactation rooms that the Globe makes fun of will save the state and its 
taxpayers lots of money. Too bad this article sacrificed facts for 
foolishness.
 
Thank you for your attention.

Marsha Walker, RN, IBCLC
Weston, MA

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