Winnie it didn't sound like you were rambling at all. I like the idea of
discussing the ranking of feeding options to mothers when an alternative is
required and discussing where it sits and why it is the best alternative at
this time. Thank you!
Shaughn Leach RM IBCLC DipT
Perth, Western Australia
-----Original Message-----
From: Lactation Information and Discussion
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Winnie Mading
Sent: Sunday, 10 August 2008 1:44 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: dillema of how to discuss formula when it is needed
Shughn makes a good point. Yes, we do want to make everyone aware of the
risks of formula, but unfortunately there are times when the better choices
just aren't at hand. We seem to be saying, "This stuff is very bad for your
baby, but give some anyway."
We talk about the ranking of feeding options available to baby. First and
foremost is mother's milk fed directly, second is the mother's milk fed via
an artificial device of some kind. Third is donor human milk. Then we come
to formula. But we shouldn't stop there. After formula is cow's milk as
bought from the store. (Other animal milks may come before or after
formula, but that's another issue entirely.) At the end of the list would
be plain water and lastly, nothing. In those situations where baby must get
something to eat and the higher options just aren't there, formula is the
food of choice IN THAT SITUATION. We need to think of it like we think of
medicines. People would generally agree that where perfect health exists,
taking a medicine makes no sense, but when health is not perfect, we
sometimes have to go to a second (or third or whatever) choice and take a
medicine (whether that medicine is homeopathic, allopathic or whatever is
outside the point here) hopefully only until the situation is normalized.
When there is no choice available except to give formula, we need to help
parents see it as a medicine until a "higher" option is available.
Hopefully that would be fixing whatever the breastfeeding problem is so that
baby can nurse directly or, if not, that donor milk is available. If none
of the above, then formula, while not near the top of the list, at least
isn't on the absolute bottom of the list.
I feel like I'm rambling. I hope my point comes across like I mean it to.
Winnie
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