In a message dated 97-05-16 18:02:56 EDT, you write: << Breastfeeding is *not* just for the perfect mothers. Indeed, these babies need their mother's milk *more* than the babies of "perfect" mothers. They are much more at risk for everything we always talk about in these posts. And since most drug abusers are relatively young, this baby won't be the last, usually. Remember those to come too, and have pity on them. >> Dr. Jack, I agree with you completely. These babies are at HIGH risk for ending up dead in the dumpsters and rivers and in shallow graves, especially if their mothers do not bond well, and that even happens down here in sleeply South Central Virginia. If they need anything in their innocent little lives, they need their mothers to bond with them -- the kind of bonding that comes from lots of intimacy and physical contact that makes a women good, and to feel the strongest of feelings, deep, unconditional, complete, self sacrificing love and acceptance. Those kinds of feelings are powerful, can heal a person and help overcome the reasons she is using drugs and living the way she is. I have seen the love for a baby turn many women around. Don't ignore this. I am not condoning drug use while nursing, but just pleading for all of you to see the WHOLE picture, and realize the drug in the milk is jus a part of the picture. AND when you have a mother who WANTS to breastfeed, look closer, work harder to help her. She is one who you have a chance of saving. Her baby is NOT safe just because you keep the mother's possible drug contaminated milk from the infant. Jane Bradshaw RN, BSN, IBCLC former public health nurse in inner city Washington, D. C. and I've seen all sides of this issue.