Subject: | |
From: | |
Reply To: | |
Date: | Tue, 24 Oct 1995 00:46:28 +0000 |
Content-Type: | text/plain |
Parts/Attachments: |
|
|
Formula is not on prescription in Papua new Guinea, and never has
been. However bottles and teats are and this has the same effect. I
know one of the people who helped introduce this and she said they
were concerned that if formula was an prescription then mothers would
just use ordinary powdered milk or sweetened condensed milk or
something worse.
Imagine a world without bottles and teats - it takes all the
"convenience" out of artificial feeding. Mothers who have them
prescribed are kept under strict supervision. The traditional
breastfeeding culture in Papua New Guinea has been largely preserved
and the mother support group, Susu Mamas, does a wonderful job. Yes
it's true sometimes the babies share the breasts with a highly
valued suckling pig.
There are a number of other cultures through Asia where breastfeeding
is largely preserved, particularly away from cities. Even in
Australia, where about 85% of mothers start breastfeeding, we do not
experience many of the problems american LCs take for granted. A
mother woud never be told not to breastfeed on a school outing - she
would be encouraged. Sadly, I think the US has one of the most
unsupportive cultures for breastfeeding and parenting (read
attachment parenting) that I have ever come accross. I really
admire all you crusaders.
Ros Escott - who breastfed at a luncheon at the Prime Minister's
residence. Can anyone better that?
Tasmania, Australia
|
|
|