Sender: |
|
Date: |
Wed, 19 Dec 2007 09:40:03 -0600 |
Reply-To: |
|
Subject: |
|
MIME-Version: |
1.0 |
Content-Transfer-Encoding: |
quoted-printable |
In-Reply-To: |
|
Content-Type: |
text/plain; charset="us-ascii" |
From: |
|
Parts/Attachments: |
|
|
Michelle asked:
"So, while breastfeeding women are still discriminated against daily
(with no laws yet to protect them here in Massachusetts) do we really
need OpEd pieces complaining about how much we oppress the status
quo? Or is this a sign that the old order is threatened and that
change is on the horizon? What do these published opinions *mean*?"
An op-ed piece like that often means that the newspaper knows this'll
stir up a controversy and enhance/maintain readership. Sometimes it also
means an opportunity for public education if the responder/s can come
across as informational like Jeanette discussed yesterday rather than as
ranting or defensive. (But ranting is sometimes what the editor is more
likely to publish simply to keep the controversy/readership going.
Grrrrrr. But it does more harm than good IMO.)
Debbi Heffern
St. Louis, MO
-----Original Message-----
From: Lactation Information and Discussion
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Michelle DePesa
Sent: Wednesday, December 19, 2007 5:55 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Op. piece in local paper "There's more to motherhood than just
breastfeeding"
From the Patriot Ledger Online:
http://ledger.southofboston.com/articles/2007/12/18/life/life02.txt
It ends with "Everything I do is for the well-being of my boy, and
I'll be damned if someone labels me a lousy mom for not breastfeeding."
There are numerous instances of the "straw-breastfeeder", but what I
see here is someone who knows that formula feeding is not as good for
her child (despite the fact that almost everyone is doing it) and who
through possibly necessity or possibly through poor information was
not able to nurse past one week. She takes it out on breastfeeding
women. She feels the loss, the guilt and so does what those in a
majority position often do which is assume underdog status in order
to gain sympathy and feel justified in rebelling. Notice she is angry
at the one magazine (Mothering) that does not show the status quo
feeding method, which in turn "makes" her feel bad. But she has all
of U.S. culture behind her, since the majority of U.S. babies are
formula fed either entirely or partially. Exclusive breastfeeding at
6 months was reported in Mothering magazine 2 issues ago at hovering
around 10%. Nowhere has anyone labeled anyone a lousy mother or
declared that mothering is only about breastfeeding (as the title of
the piece implies).
It reminds me a bit of the article by the doctor in the Globe a few
years ago which is still available online:
http://www.boston.com/yourlife/health/diseases/articles/2004/02/03/
sure_breast_is_best_but_is_it_worth_it/
***********************************************
Archives: http://community.lsoft.com/archives/LACTNET.html
To reach list owners: [log in to unmask]
Mail all list management commands to: [log in to unmask]
COMMANDS:
1. To temporarily stop your subscription write in the body of an email:
set lactnet nomail
2. To start it again: set lactnet mail
3. To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet
4. To get a comprehensive list of rules and directions: get lactnet
welcome
No virus found in this incoming message.
Checked by AVG Free Edition.
Version: 7.5.503 / Virus Database: 269.17.4/1189 - Release Date:
12/18/2007 9:40 PM
No virus found in this outgoing message.
Checked by AVG Free Edition.
Version: 7.5.503 / Virus Database: 269.17.4/1189 - Release Date:
12/18/2007 9:40 PM
***********************************************
Archives: http://community.lsoft.com/archives/LACTNET.html
To reach list owners: [log in to unmask]
Mail all list management commands to: [log in to unmask]
COMMANDS:
1. To temporarily stop your subscription write in the body of an email: set lactnet nomail
2. To start it again: set lactnet mail
3. To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet
4. To get a comprehensive list of rules and directions: get lactnet welcome
|
|
|