Kathy:  In discussing abm additives and their appropriateness, you ask
"why are we the only ones asking these questions?".  I'm afraid that
there are too many people in our society with strong reasons to believe
in the myth that adding various new ingredients really makes abm
essentially the same as breastmilk.  First of all, there are many with
direct and indirect ties to the formula industry who have a vested
interest in perpetuating this myth.  Then there are the vast numbers of
mothers who for one reason or another did not breastfeed or weaned early,
for whom it may be gratifying to hear: "as good as breastmilk".  Perhaps
the health care professionals who are ignorant about
breastfeeding (do we know any?) also are comforted by these platitudes.
It seems to me that we are the only ones who ask these questions because
we feel passionately about the importance of not only human milk but the
process of breastfeeding itself.  Until the day comes that enough people
are convinced of the importance of breastfeeding, I'm afraid it is up to
us to keep asking those questions.  Happy New Year and thanks for all you
do.  Alicia.  [log in to unmask]