This is a tough one.  I work with WIC and with economically disadvantaged
mothers, so I know what can be put in a bottle!  Artificial baby milks do not
come close to the norm for feeding human infants -- i.e., breastfeeding.
 However, artificial baby milks are certainly preferrable to cool-aid, tea,
soft drinks, home-made "formulas," etc., or corn starch and water (It looks
white like milk and is, therefore, thought to have the same properties as
milk!  It's scary what some people may believe!).

How about something like: Because the correct mixing of artificial baby milk
is so critical, those of you who decide to use artificial baby milk will need
individual instruction from a qualified health care provider such as your
doctor or her/hisnurse.  Please, don't rely on advice from friends or family
about artificial feeding.  Those of you who use artificial baby milk will
need to stay after class (or come to an additional class) to learn how to
properly clean and sterilize bottles and rubber nipples and how to make sure
that the water you use is sterile in order to lessen the chance that your
baby will get bacterial infections due to improper cleaning of equipment or
to contaminated water or ingredients.  Breastfeeding mothers who give their
breast milk to their babies in cups or bottles while at work or school need
only wash the baby's cup or bottles and rubber nipples with warm, soapy water
(or wash in the dishwasher) and allow them to air dry since a mother's
breastmilk contains antibodies that protect her baby from harmful bacteria.

I realize that this statement needs to be qualified and carefully worded, but
you get my drift.  Will this satisfy your requirements without violating the
code or your hospital's baby-friendly status?

If some mothers do decide to use artificial baby milk it is important, I
think, that they learn how to mix/fix it properly.  I, personally, don't feel
qualified to advise a mother on abm--I don't carry the same insurance a
doctor or abm company does to cover the very serious problems that can occur.
 I think it's important--as someone stated--that the doctor, or other qualifie
d health care provider, be the one to advise the mother and father on which
abm is best for their baby.  We can, however, tell a mother how to adequately
clean and sterilize water and implements for feeding.  We can also suggest
ways to help the mother bond with her baby and suggest "breastfeeding-type"
feedings (i.e., hold close, hold-and-never-prop bottle, interact lovingly
with baby, switch sides for more equal eye development, frequent small feeds,
etc.)

Keitha Whitaker, BS, IBCLC
MSDH District IX WIC Breastfeeding Program Coordinator
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