In a message dated 6/22/00 5:04:24 AM, [log in to unmask] writes: << I must say that I disagree, respectfully but vehemently, with Dr. Detwyller about formula only impacting that individual's own child. Actually, I'm surprised that Kathy would state this. As most of us who have read MILK, MONEY and MADNESS, THE POLITICS OF BREASTFEEDING, and BEYOND THE BREAST-BOTTLE CONTROVERSY can easily recite, the negative impacts of formula are far reaching: environmentally (cow-based pollution, water consumption, land use, manure leaching, transportation, deforrestation, etc); health insurance pooling costs (all of us pay for the increased costs of negative health even in the US where there is no National Health Insurance system) or WIC subsidies; decreased productivity of parents to care for sick children and decreased future productivity of those formula fed children as sicker adults (I won't go into the IQ issue); violence, psychological issues, etc. are all factors which are not immediately apparent, but important. I'm saddened when I hear those who are not informed fail to recognize these, but confused when I hear someone who I respect and consider exceptionally knowledgeable "overlook" the wide reaching negative impacts of formula. Please, let's try to be careful about this. As someone reminded me when I was inconsistent about suggesting that formula be available only by prescription, but that I believe herbs should be OTC. We need to provide peer-review and education to gently remind each other that WE are the "run-way" superstar models for lactation. Respectfully, -- Chris Hafner-Eaton, PhD, MPH, CHES, IBCLC [log in to unmask]>> Chris, At a conference on Functional Medicine in March, the speaker discussed the issue of gene expression and the impact of diet on the way the human genome expresses itself. Over the past year, I have spoken with several experts in various fields (including child development and attachment) who are extremely concerned about which genes are expressing themselves w/ more frequency, due in large part to artificial feeding and all of its implications. The human gene pool is now at greater risk than ever due to the increased use of GE ingredients in artificial milk products. Jennifer Tow, IBCLC, CT, USA *********************************************** The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(TM) mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to: http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html