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Subject:
From:
"Laurie L. Wheeler" <[log in to unmask]>
Reply To:
Lactation Information and Discussion <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Sun, 30 Nov 1997 14:53:53 -0600
Content-Type:
text/plain
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text/plain (58 lines)
11-30-97

Dear Mr. Shore:

A colleague of mine in Vancouver sent me the "Health Matters" column
written by Dr. Patrick Nesbitt.  The article, entitled "Breast or bottle
is strictly a matter of individual choice," proves to me that most of the
current breastfeeding information has not yet reached many health care
providers.   The headline, "For something so natural, breast feeding
still manages to be a controversial and misunderstood area of medicine,"
is right.  Unfortunately, Dr. Nesbitt is perpetuating much of the
misunderstanding.  Families need factual, up-to-date information to make
their infant feeding choices.  Why should we worry that giving the facts
might make someone feel guilty?  Surely this doesn't stop a physician
from counseling on the dangers of cigarette smoking or obesity.

On safe, sanitary sterilized formula and bottles vs. dirty [human]
nipples -- how insulting!   What about disease due to water
contamination, unsterile bottles and bottle nipples, and improper
dilutions?  On "the practical problems of milk that won't come, sore
swollen breasts, cracked nipples" -- these can be prevented with a proper
latch by the baby and good positioning.  Obviously,  the practical
management of breastfeeding seems to be misunderstood by many.

On "sibling rivalry [and] interference with marital relations" -- these
adjustments occur with ANY new addition to a family.  On "mothers who
have to return to work" -- mothers can continue to breastfeed after their
return to work. Healthier babies mean less missed work for illness and
doctor visits, money saved on formula, doctor visits, and medicines.  On
diets -- studies conducted in many different parts of the world have
found that maternal nutrition has only a minimal effect on milk
production and composition.  We can now de-emphasize the need for a
perfect diet.

On serious infections and moms who are on drugs -- the new publication by
Ruth Lawrence, MD on the contraindications to breastfeeding has just come
out. Its full title is, "A Review of the Medical Benefits and
Contraindications to Breastfeeding in the United States."  There are only
5 contraindications listed: HIV,
HTLV-1, antimetabolites, therapeutic doses of radiopharmaceuticals, drugs
of abuse.  The vast majority of moms on meds don’t even need to interrupt
breastfeeding at all.

On jaundice, anemia, growth rates, allergies, and illness --  it seems to
me that Dr. Nesbitt is looking at things from a formula feeding
perspective, as many do, BUT BREASTFEEDING IS THE PHYSIOLOGIC NORM. There
is alot of information on these topics in the recent pediatric
literature.  The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine could provide more
insight as well.

I was astonished at the misinformation, misunderstandings, and myths that
were perpetuated in this article.  In a health column, this should be
embarrassing. I hope the information in future columns will be better
researched.

Laurie Wheeler, RNC, MN, IBCLC
Louisiana Breastfeeding MediaWatch Coordinator

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