Second try, as I reached my limit yesterday... ;o))
----- Original Message -----
From: "Marianne Vanderveen-Kolkena" <[log in to unmask]>
To: "Lactation Information and Discussion" <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Tuesday, November 06, 2007 10:50 PM
Subject: Re: [LACTNET] article on breastfeeding and IQ
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Christina" <[log in to unmask]>
> To: <[log in to unmask]>
> Sent: Tuesday, November 06, 2007 8:43 PM
> Subject: Re: [LACTNET] article on breastfeeding and IQ
>
> Maybe I'm just being picky, but I don't care for the title of the article:
> Baby's IQ Raised by Breastmilk and Genes.
To me, it sends the message that breastmilk somehow makes babies smarter or
exceptional in some way. Breastfeeding is the norm. Wouldn't it be more
accurate to say that formula feeding makes babies less intelligent, or less
likely to develop a normal intellect or to their fullest potential?
> I guess my frustration is that mothers might take from that title, "Well,
> I don't need my child to be exceptional. I just want him to be normal."
> But "normal" isn't what she will get if she gives formula. She will get
> sub-optimal. Does anyone have any thoughts on that? Am I just being a
> crab apple?
**No Christina, you are definitely NOT being picky! I am a member of the
brochure editing committee of the Dutch volunteer breastfeeding
association VBN and always make a point of this: there are no advantages
to breastfeeding, there are risks to formula feeding. If we want public
opinion to change in this respect, we have to set a new standard:
breastfeeding. Bf is not better, ff is worse. Bf is not superior, bf is
inferior. Bf babies don't go through fewer and less severe illnesses, ff
babies have a higher risk of hospitalization, and so on and so forth.
And don't get me started about feelings of guilt... I have long postings
on my name on our mailinglist with regard to this: women deserve to be
well informed and lc's definitely have a role in that. Anyone who makes
well informed choices, doesn't need to feel guilty. Making adult decisions
is part of being a parent and he or she who willingly and knowingly
chooses formula, knows what is being waived. If that causes feelings of
guilt... well, that means that at least conscience is still working,
offering possibilities for a better choice next time! ;o)
Regards,
Marianne Vanderveen,
VBN-volunteer and IBCLC 2008, Netherlands
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