In a message dated 10/8/98 2:11:54 PM Central Daylight Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:

> Did someone post an email address for them?

www.cbs.com has a feedback page you can fill out.  Intelihealth is
[log in to unmask]

If anyone is interested, below is my letter.  I sent similar letters to CBS
and my local CBS affiliate.

Deb Wirtel
[log in to unmask]
St. Louis
***************************
I just read a press release about the new cooperative effort between the
Chicago Hope TV show and John Hopkins.

I have to say I am appalled that a future episode and subsequent news segment
will discuss "the risks associated with breast feeding [sic]."

What risks are the show and news segment planning to discuss?  The risks of
babies getting the best nutrition possible?  Perhaps the risks of the
antibodies and immunities babies receive from breastmilk?  Perhaps the risk of
babies receiving the long chain fatty acids essential for optimal brain
development?  The risks of proper oral development from breastfeeding?

My list could go on and on; however, I consider none of these to be risks.

Breastmilk is the optimum nutrition a baby can receive.   It contains living
tissue designed to offer babies protection from illnesses  and diseases such
as gastrointestinal viruses that could lead to diarrhea, otitis media,
allergies, cancer, diabetes, Crohn's disease, plus protection from illnesses
that circulate in any family, including colds, chickenpox and influenza.

Our country has a woefully low breastfeeding rate.  At six months, only 20
percent of babies are exclusively breastfed.  Feeding formula has become the
standard in this country.  Airing TV shows and news reports concerning the
"risks" of breastfeeding only sabotage breastfeeding and glorify formula
feeding.

If anything, Chicago Hope and John Hopkins would be providing a great service
and education if they would cover a subject such as the risks of formula
feeding.  UNICEF and the World Health Organization estimate that 1.5 million
babies die every year from not receiving the protective qualities and good
nutrition of breastmilk.  Now there's a story for you!

I hope Chicago Hope and John Hopkins do the right thing and alter the upcoming
segment on breastfeeding and remove the words and idea of "the risks assicated
with breastfeeding."

Thank you
Deborah Wirtel