In a message dated 98-03-02 17:55:46 EST, you write: << Sadly, this pm I got a call to say she had given up and put the baby on formula. She said she had "had a long talk with the doctors, who felt that since the baby had done so well on such-and-such ABM, actually gaining weight in the last two days, it would be better not to 'rock the boat' and try to establish breastfeeding". The mother said that if she tried to breastfeed, she was afraid the baby would be in NICU longer, since the goal now was to make the baby gain weight and "obviously her milk wouldn't be up to that task". I got the distinct impression that she felt that trying to establish bf'ing would be frowned upon by the doctors. She expressed disappointment about her "failure" to breastfeed, is worried about affording the formula (she is on a very low income) but says it will be worth it if the baby gets to come home soon because of it. She ended with the statement "I suppose this proves that breast isn't always best". >> This is so frustrating. I always get the image of someone sticking out their foot every time a child tries to take those first steps, over and over, week after week, tripping the baby up, until the baby gives up and crawls away, then saying "Funny, he never could learn to walk..." Guess his legs weren't up to the task, wheelchairs are just as good anyway... Jeez... Judy LeVan Fram