I posted last week (at least I think I did.  It's been a busy few days!)
about an article in the new Reader's Digest (October 2001) about a diabetic
mother who was breastfeeding.  I was hoping to get people to write a letter
to RD expressing our feelings about the misinformation this article
promotes.  I am including my Letter to the Editor, which will give a few
more details about the gist of the article and hope we can have a good
number of letter-writers to put this publication on track.

Marsha, who thanks Elisheva for her words of wisdom regarding
letter-writing!  I found them useful.


I am writing to say that I was upset to see some information contained in
one of your stories, that would mislead patients about a very important
health issue.  The story was A Splash in the Darkness by Nanette Watersholl
(October 2001) and was a Drama in Real Life Feature.  I usually read this
story first when I get my new magazine and have for many years.  This story
was about a diabetic woman who was breastfeeding and suffered a serious
incident of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) which nearly cost her and her 5
week old daughter their lives.  This was indeed a drama and a miracle that
the rescuer recognized the woman and her problem and gave the treatment she
needed in time.  What concerned me greatly about the article was the message
that diabetic women should not breastfeed.  The article ended with this
woman's doctor telling her to begin weaning immediately.

First, it is a known fact that diabetic women have a decreased need for
insulin.  In fact, this is regarded as a benefit of breastfeeding for the
mom, not detrimental to her.  It seems to me that this mother's physician
was not aware of this fact and therefore, did not adjust her insulin dosage,
warn her of this possible effect, or in any way offer treatment reflecting
this knowledge.  He or she then advised weaning, thus exposing the baby to
one of the risks of not being breastfed, which is a greater chance of
getting diabetes-like her mother!  This doctor did this mother a disservice
and he or she extended that disservice to her baby.  I do sincerely hope
that readers will not read this article and it's conclusion (that diabetic
mothers might have this happen to them, so should not breastfed) and base
their own breastfeeding decisions or give advice to friends or family based
on this misinformation.  Perhaps you could run an article that addresses
this benefit, among the many others, to help counter this possibility, as I
believe you are conscientious in your publication to present material that
is factual and accurate.  This would be a wonderful service to mothers and
their babies everywhere who read your magazine.  I would look forward to
reading such an article.
Sincerely,
Marsha Glass


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Marsha Glass RN, BSN, IBCLC
Mothers have as powerful an influence over the welfare of future generations
as all other earthly causes combined.
John S. C. Abbot
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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