I would like to share my thoughts and questions on the issue of formula
supplementation, an unhealthy alternative to breastmilk.  The reasons for
supplementing are varied, complex, and sadly, die hard even despite a broad
base of scientific evidence and our formidable efforts to craft a powerful
message to nursing mothers and health care professionals. In our work we see
medical, pseudo-medical, and social reasons for supplementing with formula.
But, I am going to go out on a limb and say that from my perspective the
most glaring reason for supplementing with formula is because supplementing
with donor milk is not a feasible alternative.
What I am trying to say is some of the reasons for supplementing with other
than mothers own ebm are not going to go away...Can we, could we imagine a
day when donor milk is available to babies who will not be fed at their
mother's breast, and not just available, but is the supplemental and
alternative feeding method of choice?
I have introduced myself to the list before, I am a newly certified IBCLC
with an MS in Human Development, I am the lactation specialist at a small
community hospital and more than a bit nervous about posting to
Lactnet....but I would like to know more about the state of donor milk
banking and how the lactation community envisions its future role, if at
all. Someone just posted to the list a comment comparing expressed
breastmilk to a hospital's blood supply. Exactly! Blood is banked and
treated like gold. To my knowledge, patients who need blood are not offered
a cheap, unhealthy second rate alternative.
Thanks for your thoughts--

Kristen Panzer, IBCLC

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