Frances wrote: >the more I see on Lactnet, the more I am wondering whether the medical >establishment is right in urging weaning to Cows Milk at one year for ABM >babies.. (AAP still think it is OK at 6 mo) Here is the AAP's stance on whole milk during the first year, from the "Where We Stand" section of their web page at http://www.aap.org/advocacy/wwestand.htm "Formula To achieve optimal nutrition, the Academy recommends that infants be fed breastmilk during the first 6 to 12 months of age. The only acceptable alternative to breastmilk is iron-fortified infant formula. *The Academy recommends that whole cow's milk and low-iron formulas not be used during the first year of life.* Since the Academy believes that direct advertising of infant formula to mothers will inevitably decrease the incidence of breastfeeding, and thereby impair the health of infants in the U.S., the Academy has for many years recommended that infant formula companies refrain from advertising their products to the general public. (See Diet.)" I certainly agree that it would be lovely to see the recommendation expanded to embrace breastfeeding beyond "the first 6 to 12 months." (I do hope this is part of that infamous new-and-improved AAP BF statement that is coming soon, we hope.) Was someone suggesting extending the recommendation of formula as a breastmilk alternate of choice beyond the first year? If so, I share Frances' concerns about this: at well over $1,000 for formula annually, that would be a severe strain on most families budgets. What would be the benefit this recommendation? Cindy Turner-Maffei Massachusetts, USA