> Date:    Thu, 16 Jun 2005 15:33:23 -0500
> From:    Winifred Mading <[log in to unmask]>
> Subject: supporting breastfeeding mothers
> 
> Sally,
> Some time ago I read a great piece that went something like-"Suppose science
> discovered a great new medication that when given to infants could....(list
> here all the great positive health effects of breastfeeding such as protect
> against ear infections, etc.).  Wouldn't we want to be sure that every baby
> can get this medication?  Wouldn't it be touted in all the magazines?  Well
> there is such a substance and the best thing is its free!"
> I think the original may need to be "Weisingerized" if you can find it.  Maybe
> someone on the list knows the original source.
> 
> Winnie

The article Winnie is referring to may be "Breast Milk: It Does a Body Good"
by Barbara Quick.  It appeared in Ms Magazine, Vol. VII, number 4,
January/February 1997, pages 32 - 35.

It begins, "If a medicine were to be developed that could prevent the deaths
of a million or more children per year, greatly reduce childhood illness and
disease, produce healthier and perhaps even smarter adults, and, in its
administration, contribute to preventing ovarian and premenopausal breast
cancer and osteoporosis in women, it would certainly be hailed as the
greatest miracle in the history of medical science.  If, furthermore, this
medicine had no ill side effects, and its production had absolutely no
adverse environmental impact, we would scarcely be able to believe our good
fortune as a species. Now, what if the fantasy were to be expanded a bit, so
that we imagine this miracle substance to be not only all of the above, but
also free of charge?  In other words, no one stands to profit economically
from its production, promotion or distribution.  In fact, the only adverse
impact at all would be an economic one on a billion-dollar multinational
industry built upon a competing but clearly inferior product.  Would the
makers of that lesser product raise their hands in thanks for the blessing
to humankind and close up shop?  Would the medical establishment rise in a
collective cheer at the prospect of fewer sick people needing its services?
    It is unnecessary to venture into the realm of fantasy to find the
answers to these questions, as the miracle substance - breastmilk - already
exists, although it is only in the past 25 years or so that the full range
of its medicinal properties has begun to be understood and recognized by the
worldwide scientific community...."

When I first read this article back in 1997, I applauded its message as
reaching out beyond the usual breastfeeding advocacy community to a wider
audience.  But I was troubled that the words sounded somehow familiar.  I
searched a bit, and found this opening paragraph in my treasured copy of
Gabrielle Palmer's book, "The Politics of Breastfeeding," London: Pandora
Press, 1988, page 1:

"If a multinational company developed a product that was a nutritionally
balanced and delicious food, a wonder drug that both prevented and treated
disease, cost almost nothing to produce and could be delivered in quantities
controlled by the consumers' needs, the very announcement of their find
would send their shares rocketing to the top of the stock market.  The
scientists who developed the product would win prizes and the wealth and
influence of everyone involved would increase dramatically.  Women have been
producing such a miraculous substance, breastmilk, since the beginning of
human existence, yet they form the half of the world's people who are the
least wealthy and the least powerful..."

So let's give credit to both these authors, and when we paraphrase someone's
work, let's all try recognize the original source or inspiration.  I keep
these two works together.  Two well-written ways of expressing a similar
message.

Anne Altshuler, RN, MS, IBCLC and LLL leader in Madison, WI
[log in to unmask]

             ***********************************************

To temporarily stop your subscription: set lactnet nomail
To start it again: set lactnet mail (or digest)
To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet
All commands go to [log in to unmask]

The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned
LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(R)
mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to:
http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html