This discussion seems to have strayed way off the original comment,
but it looks like it's getting back on track.  We do have to be
careful while heaping all the praises on how great breastfeeding is
that we don't give the impression it guarantees everything will turn
out great.  After talking about the IQ/developmental differences
between breastfed and formula fed babies, I then say, "Now this
doesn't mean that if you breastfeed you are guaranteed a Rhodes
Scholar or that all formula fed babies will automatically need
remedial education.  (This often brings out smiles and a few
chuckles.)  What it does mean that the baby's individual potential
is more fully realized by breastfeeding."  Without this discussion
of relative rather than absolute risks, we open ourselves to all the
"But I was formula fed and I turned out OK" comments.  After all,
look at how many of us are alive today in spite of never having been
in a car seat and having been put to sleep on our tummies as
babies.  What we are talking about is relative risks or shifting the
odds in favor of more positive outcomes.  We can certainly speak
very positively about breastfeeding (yes, and negatively about
formula) without making it sound like a guarantee or "fairy dust".

Winnie

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