In a message dated 12/16/0 12:40:39 PM, [log in to unmask] writes:

<< But in a syndrome where communication with other humans is a problem, it
hardly seems likely that breastfeeding would be damaging for the child.  More
likely it would be good.  Human contact, that's what breastfeeding is all
about. >>

This post from Jack was in response to Melisa's search for help for a mother
of an autistic baby. In the information I have come across about autism, the
question should not be, would bf be of any harm, but rather what are all the
reasons that bf would be imperative for these babies? It is not only the
issue of human contact (by no means a minor issue), but also the evidence
that autism is consistently shown to correlate w/ poor gut integrity. I heard
a researcher speak on this and he said that essential fatty acids are
desperately needed by these babies. He also said that a neurologist in
Pennsylvania had stumbled across a correlation between autistic children and
mothers w/ night blindness. She had remarkable results by giving the children
cod liver oil, based upon her theory that the connection between the 2 is a
vit A deficiency. We certainly see that many of these kids have serious
digestive/allergic problems at a very early age.
    There were several comments that this topic was not appropriate for
Lactnet. I think any chronic condition we can think of may one day be proven
to have some connection to infant feeding practices. Further, I think we will
see a correlation (rather, even causation) with other practices which
interfere w/ bf and w/ bf's primary role in gut and brain/nervous system
integrity.
    In this area of mystery, there is so much possibility of finding even
more imperative for breastfeeding. There is also the likelihood that
practices thought to be harmless may be found to in some way inhibit the
groundwork for primary good health that is the role of breastfeeding in the
body. I do not think it is appropriate to limit such "thinking out loud" to
that which is approved of by the AAP or the CDC or even the highly respected
physicians on this list.
    The attacks at Melisa and others who stated their beliefs about a
connection between MMR and autism were shocking to me. These ideas are no
less valid than a comment that suggests that heavy metals in drinking water
or genetic predisposition or having blonde hair might be a connection. We do
not know what causes autism, so we cannot say what does not cause it either.
It is fine to say we disagree with a theory, but to state that only the
"powers that be" are correct is, IMO, both very dangerous and very
threatening to the rights of all parents to gather their own information and
make their own choices, and the right of researchers to "leave no stone
unturned".
Jennifer Tow, IBCLC, CT, USA

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