Hi all, I am new to Lactnet, I have been "listening in" for about a week. It is wonderful to be able to tap into the great wealth of knowledge and expertise here, and I feel priviledged to be a part. I am an IBCLC in private practice, a LLL Leader (6 years), and a Registered Nurse doing discharge planning at Women & Infant's Hospital in Providence, RI. I also work with the Rhode Island Department of Health implementing their early intervention program for at risk families, and teach breastfeeding workshops and newborn care workshops to expectant parents at a local HMO. I have 3 children who were breastfed for 15 months, 2 1/2 years, and 2 1/3 years respectively. My youngest is almost 3. My question is this. I attended several conferences this year put on by LLL. At one in particular, I remember a speaker stating that when breastfeeding is combined with ABM, the ABM negates the protective properties of breast milk. She suggested that exclusive breastfeeding was the only way to go. Now before you all agree, which I know you all will (I do too), let me raise this issue. I deal with many moms every month who return to work, either because they have to, or because they want to, or a combination of both. That is not the issue. Some of these moms think they have to wean to return to work. I always stress that exclusive breastfeeding is far superior, and always point out the dangers of ABM. But the fact is that some of these moms either can't of won't pump at work. I am reluctant to tell them that the ABM they are giving is probably negating the wonderful benefits of breast milk. I always thought that some breast milk was better than no breast milk. One of the OB physicians at the HMO is telling his patients about this!! Does anyone know of the study that supports these findings? Does anyone know who actually reported this, and/or if it is common knowledge in the world of lactation? I would appreciate some feedback. Thanks. Sincerely, Sharon A. Rapoza, RN, BSN, IBCLC [log in to unmask]