------------------------------------- Susan Nachman-Srebrnik, LC Lactation Consultant 23 Nativ Halamed-Hey Ranana 43340 Israel E-mail: [log in to unmask] Fax:(972)-3-566-1914 Phone:(972)-9-771-8274 ------------------------------------- One idea that seems to make a big impression on parents is to take a large piece of posterboard, glue all the formula, bottle etc. ads found in ONE issue of a parenting magazine (I counted 17 ads one month.) Then tell them you are going to show them a piece of posterboard with ads for the most healthy, cheapest product available for babies. They are pretty shocked to see nothing on the second poster. This clearly makes a point... that parents are flooded with ads about ABM (and we discuss how they are misleading); not to mention the fact that formula is BIG bucks. They want the parents to BUY. How do they think they get all the money to produce those beautiful glossy full page ads?! This little presentation gets parents-to-be thinking about formula as a "product." I do not discuss formula preparation in class. I clearly state that this is breastfeeding prep. However, I will answer questions privately - either after class or on the phone. If parents do choose formula, I'd rather them know how to prepare it properly and safely, than read the sometimes confusing instuctions on the box. Nofia - in my area (suburban Tel Aviv), everyone sterilizes bottles. In fact, in 10 years I've never met a woman who hasn't. Microwave sterilizers are very popular here. After some initial reservations, I think they are pretty good for cleaning breastpump parts and bottles. Another plus is that unlike a pot, you can't turn it on to boil, fall asleep and find melted equipment - not to mention a ruined pan. You can get spare parts for the Medela pumps, but they are costly. I do encourage mothers to sterilize their pumps and bottles after each use for a young baby. All cities have safe drinking water (or so the Ministry of Health claims), but when we don't get a decent rainfall, the water becomes more saline. From time to time during the summer months, residents of a particular area will be advised to boil water temporarily. Just to make things easier, it's best to advise moms to sterilize. Best wishes, Susan