Morgan,
Thanks for your response. I understand how powerful breastfeeding is to the 
relationship between a mother and child.
I am a mother of three children. I birthed all three natrually. Here are my breif 
breastfeeding stories.
My first child did not latch properly. Even though I read a lot of books (some 
of which have been endorsed in other postings), I was unsuccessful at 
obtaining support. I left messages at the Le Leche League for help, only to 
not have my calls returned. With great saddness I gave up after two weeks of 
painfully (very painfully) trying to breastfeed. My child was then given formula 
in the form of concentrate liquid and is a very healthy (hasn't been ill for 10 
years) and intelligent 12 year-old girl.
My second child was born 3 years later. I was determined that this time 
breastfeeding would successful. However, a few medical conditions of the 
infant made it very difficult for breastfeeding success. He was then started on 
powder concentrate formula after one week. He was very ill as an infant and 
now has Asberger's autism spectrum.
My third child was s dream come true. She was a natural at breastfeeding (or 
maybe I was just better). I was very excited. I exclusively breastfed and 
received a great reward that, as you stated, I can not even imagine after the 
previous births. I would tear-up sometimes during feedings at how special this 
moment in our relationship was. Then at 6 weeks postpartum, I woke up one 
day and my milk supply was gone. After a lot of help and medical 
consultantion, I discovered that my hormone levels had caused this to 
happen. I cried and cried. My daughter was then started on a powder formula. 
This formula was different than my son's as now formula cliamed to contain 
DHA and RHA. My 3 year-old is now very delayed and also diagnosed with 
autism spectrum. 
With my history, I just can't help but think that there may be a correlation 
between my children's mental health status and having cow-milk based 
powder formula.
I knew at the time it just didn't seem healthy to feed an infant cow's milk. 
If I had access to a breast milk bank I would of utilized it along with other 
devices to continue to know my baby was getting what he/she needed. 
I understand that the actual breastfeeding experience is a beautiful, natural 
moment. However, the maintance of health of the infant is just as important. 
I simply wish for parents to know that formula is not 'second best'; matter of 
fact it may not even be third or fourth best. 
This change in norms may be a great step toward better endorsement of 
breastfeeding.
Thanks again.

Nova 

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