I guess I have a different take on the breastfeeding article that appeared in
the Boston Globe today. I found it a rather inane article that portrayed La
Leche League and breastfeeding in a rather poor light. It seems that some of
these writers just cannot fathom that breastfeeding is not a joke, not the
military, and that breastfeeding mothers are not out to do indecent things in
public. This tiresome approach is getting old. The article starts out saying,
"It's the revenge of the breast-feeding women! That's how the uninitiated
must feel here in Lactation Nation." Another sentence---"...[breastfeeding
advocates]"....want us to feel comfortable saying nipple. To be at one with
the breast pump." This is the letter to the editor that I fired off today.
To the Editor:
Here we go again – another flippant, factually incorrect,and silly article on
breastfeeding (“The breast-feeding brigade,” April 18). I never cease to be
amazed at the outright ignorance and refusal of the media to actually report
something factual and useful about breastfeeding. First of all, it is the
American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) not the “American Pediatric
Association” who recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months
of life and the continuation of breastfeeding with appropriate complementary
foods until twelve months or beyond. This health behavior is recommended to
enhance cognitive development, construct an immune system, and reduce the
current epidemic of preventable diseases and conditions such as allergy,
asthma, overweight, obesity, and diabetes. Lactating women require worksite
protection of breastfeeding. Savvy employers know that there will be less
absenteeism, greater retention of employees, and reduction of health claims
for preventable illness when accommodation for lactation is provided in the
work place. Acting Governor Jane Swift is a wise public servant. She knows
the lactation rooms that the Globe makes fun of will save the state and its
taxpayers lots of money. Too bad this article sacrificed facts for
foolishness.
Thank you for your attention.
Marsha Walker, RN, IBCLC
Weston, MA
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