Barbara W-C writes:

> I think that poor bfg is a MARKER for a baby with a problem, and
>respiratory function is looming large in my mind as an issue.

Very interesting, and well worth more thought and study - but we have to be
careful not to pathologise normality.

Poor breastfeeding (and don't we know it) can be a marker for poor bf
support and information - environmental and social factors rather than
anything 'wrong' with the baby's underlying respiratory functions. Not to
bf well after separation, rough handling, unnecessary interventions (such
as suctioning), after labour meds etc etc is *normal*.

Separating out the babies who don't bf well because of the environmental
factors,  from the ones who don't bf well because of underlying problems is
a challenge, and we won't be able to meet it properly until bf is 'allowed'
to happen as it should.

Heather Welford Neil
NCT bfc Newcastle upon Tyne UK

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