This is a many-faceted problem. I have a few comments. I don't teach bottle feeding or pumping in my antenatal bf class. Because my population has about a 50% initiation rate (any bf), most of these do partial bf, many of these abandon bf in hospital or shortly thereafter. Therefore my focus in class is on the early days of breastfeeding, exclusive bf, how to get help, biological nurturing video. If a mother asks a question about pumps or pumping, I will answer it briefly and ask her to contact our BF Center again when she gets closer to the point of needing to pump. I have some resources she can refer to. I don't think I've ever gotten a question about how to bottle feed but rather what is the best bottle. Again I would answer that briefly (I don't believe there is one best bottle, of course), give resources, and again we can help her with that as time for work gets nearer. As for teaching formula feeding properly, there is a huge need for this, in my opinion. I just saw a young lady for a followup bf visit. This was an 18 yr old mother who had abandoned bf (temporarily I hope) but was pumping occasionally (very small baby was losing weight) and said the baby was rejecting the ebm but taking the formula. In my office she repeatedly refused to allow me to see her breasts (possibly low supply) or help her bf, and she fixed the baby a bottle by scooping some formula powder rather haphazardly out of the tin, and dumping it into a baby bottle of water she had in her purse, and shaking it up and feeding it to baby. She believed she was measuring it. As you can see this was a mother who needed much empathy, support, information, and more followup. (Myself and the WIC bf specialist were following her already). Of course I instructed her on the proper way of preparing and storing the formula. By the way, I have seen many many mothers out and about who prepare a feeding bottle this way. In the hospital, ready to feed bottles are used. Then a tin of powdered formula is sent home but no teaching is done that I am aware of. Even though I am the bf specialist, I have brought this problem up to the mgmt and nsy staff several times. There is a section in the baby care book that mothers are given about formula prep. I know that WIC requires certain classes or educational sessions of its clients. I fear many of these are cursory. I am sure there are some trainers doing an outstanding job but I fear there are many just giving it lip service. WIC (Women, Infants, Children) is a federal nutrition program for low income families in USA. I don't have the answers but the debate should continue. Laurie Wheeler RN MN IBCLC Mississippi USA *********************************************** Archives: http://community.lsoft.com/archives/LACTNET.html To reach list owners: [log in to unmask] Mail all list management commands to: [log in to unmask] COMMANDS: 1. To temporarily stop your subscription write in the body of an email: set lactnet nomail 2. To start it again: set lactnet mail 3. To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet 4. To get a comprehensive list of rules and directions: get lactnet welcome