Hi Lactnetters!
  I have been watchinng the posts on what to call formula and human milk
with interest. But Lora's post recently presented me with an interesting
memory. I started breastfeeding all 4 of my children. #1 I weaned at six
weeks. My first husband was very controlling and wanted 'me' back and
breastfeeding interfered, also I was having a problem and the clinic I
was going to was not detimental, but they gave me no advice or
recommendations on how to overcome the problem. #2 I nursed for 6 months
and would have continued (LLL helped overcome that problem that
reocurred) but once again husband interfered and I was in the position
of thinking if I went with him our marriage would improve. (It did not,
it failed). #3 did not (as far as I know) receive any 'formula' as the
hospital I was in was into pushing water. I inquired and no one would
listen or provide a valid reason for the water, so I poured it down the
drain. He nursed until he weaned when I became pregnant with #4 at 18
mos. #4 had a bottle of 'formula' in the hospital (German) against my
wishes and with a fight (interesting because of language barrier) over
'starving my baby.' I gave her expressed milk after about 9 months once
a day for our afternoon outing or at 'certain' people's home, just to be
relieved of the comments and at about 12 months, gave a bottle of german
'formula' once a day to appease our DR. after she fell off the growth
chart.
  I realize this is long but I do have a point. First 'formula' has a
purpose, breastfeeding does not fail solely because of complications or
physical problems, we as LLLLs and LCs and HCPs need to remember, the
social and cultural conflicts that occur and we may never be aware of
(20 years ago, spouse abuse was not a talked about subject). Secondly,
it was not until recently as I stepped into the Area PL Dept., that I
became aware of the ramifications of feeding 'formula.' Perhaps 21 1/2
years ago, if I had known that I increased the risk of my child dying or
being hospitalized, I would have had the personal strength to fight the
pressures I was under. Our society needs to be educated on the risks
involved - I like the idea of an informed consent form before using
'formula,' as I think it would make many stop and think about what they
are doing. Also looking at our food in general, we are very accepting of
eating synthetic, artificial and 'fake' food without a second thought.
It astounds me that we are so willing to feed it at birth. Is there any
research on the increase of diseases as a result of a 'fake' food diet?
My personal feeling is that indeed the increases in disease are
associated with improper eating. And many people don't even give it a
second thought. Sorry this is so long, but I believe that education is
the key to the issue and we need to educate, before people even consider
becoming parents (school children) rather than wait unti they are
pregnant or nursing. Also if one goes from the perspective of being able
to change the position or culture or society, one can accomplish more
than starting out feeling it is hopeless. Also as far as HCP's - with
all four children I never had any make comments about my nursing except
with #2 when she did not regain her birth weight by 2 weeks, MD infered
that because I was breastfeeding that was why. So in 21 1/2 years of
mothering, countless OBs, PEDs, Family Practice, GPs, Nurses, PAs, etc.
I consider the medical profession to be OK as far as their behavior
toward breastfeeding - consider those that make the stupid, rude and
misinformed comments the exception rather than the norm.

It is beautiful and sunny and the two children left at home are still
asleep! Have a good day.
Leslie