but I have seen moms for whom (breastfeeding)
> would not (and should not) ever be the choice:
> Women actively abusing drugs and alcohol
> Women too self-possessed to recognize their baby's needs
> Women mentally challenged and unable comprehend the baby's needs
> Young girls pregnant as a result of physical abuse/rape"
>
I recall Jack Newman talking about this, and he mentioned that sometimes it 
is the desire to breastfeed their babies that motivates women dealing with 
drugs and alcohol to get help in ending these addictions.

I have known women who were pregnant as the result of rape or abusive 
situations and if they choose to keep the baby (and want to breastfeed) I 
don't know why breastfeeding would be a "should not" for them.

If a woman is mentally challenged (developmentally delayed), how would the 
complexities of preparing formula be any easier for her? I've watched dogs, 
cats, pigs, horses, cows, sheep and many other mammals feed their babies - 
it really doesn't take an especially high level of intelligence to feed your 
offspring in this natural way. The baby's instincts and the mother's 
intincts are all working in favour of making breastfeeding succeed. I can't 
figure out how a woman who is "self-possessed" is a problem, but surely 
anyone who is incapable of recognizing the baby's needs should not be caring 
for the baby at all.

Teresa Pitman 

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