I just had to share this....This is the only forum that would appreciate
this.  My cat had to have an emergency c-section this week.  We saved two
adorable kittens.  Much to my dismay my cat rejected them and would not nurse
them.  There I was, in my white lab coat with my "Ask me about Breastfeeding
!!!" button on, as I had just come from the hospital and my vet is explaining
to me how to bottle this two kittens.  After getting up every two hours the
first night and giving these two kittens a bottle of ABM that smelled
supciously just like the ABM at the hospital.  I had a long talk with my
cat... and after a couple of feedings using the ABM as a reward for both
momma cat and the babies.   I am proud to say she is exclusively
breastfeeding now!!  The vet said she would never do it because she was too
young.  It just goes to show you a little education and support goes a long
way!!  I found the situation very comparable to the hospital setting where a
physician has been heard to utter " you no breastfeeding is impossible don't
you" and the mother has had no education and support to even make an
responsible choice.
On another note....I just started a 6 week childbirth class with 14 couples
and I am very excited to report that all 14 couples are planning to
breastfeed!!!  I usually see a 60% breastfeed and 40 % bottle feed
ratio...and by hospital standards I have to cover bottle feeding in the
class....So you can imagine my joy at not even having to utter the "bottle
feeding"  The class took a vote and we are going to add a 7 th class just to
cover breastfeeding !!!!  Made my day!!!


Donna

PS  What does TIA mean?