<< For eg we really don't know why women start
to use formula and how they use it. Without this information we cannot
possibly do anything to help mothers avoid its use. IMO all those who wish
to support mothers to breastfeed need to become "infant feeding" experts and

know just as much about formula as we do about breastfeeding. How can we
possibly make mothers aware of the potential consequences of using formula
if we don't know this ourselves>>

Ahh, but if we parallel the formula industry to the tobacco industry, we
could say that we really don't know why kids start using tobacco and how
they use it. Do they use it because of pressure from friends? Stressful
situations? Being embarrassed because they're the only one of their friends
who is going smoke-free? Hiding in a back room because they're afraid their
parents will see them? As a cardiac nurse, it doesn't matter to me why or
how, all I know is tobacco use is detrimental to health, kids are
indoctrinated from the time they're born, and there is societal pressure
regarding its use.

Many of us have been criticized for not being able to help a mother go from
breastmilk to formula (how much, how often, what type) and as a LLLL, I was
quickly able to say I am a breastfeeding mother and have no experience with
formula. As an RN IBCLC, the focus is a little different, but still, I am a
breastfeeding expert. If you need help with formula, you need to contact
someone who is more familiar. (a nurse in the hospital would have a
different perspective with this).

As an aside, I went to the hospital to visit my now former-IBCLC friend, and
on the wall opposite the lactation room, there was a HUGE poster with all
sorts of "health" information, including "pacifier safety" with a photo of a
baby with a gigantic purple plug in his mouth, as well as an ad (1/5 of the
poster) for a nipple that has 3 different settings. Very code friendly, eh?

Best wishes,
Sam Doak

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