In a message dated 3/28/00 9:45:04 AM, [log in to unmask] writes:

<< It is also incumbent upon health professionals to help alleviate the
consequences of formula-use.  For example, if a child is raised on formula
(as one of mine was) to make sure that the parents understand that all ear
infections need to be treated immediately, that ear tubes may be necessary,
that yearly flu shots are a good idea, because the child's immune system
will not be as good as that of a breastfed child, that the child may need
extra vitamins and a really good diet to offset their impaired immune system.

On the mother's side, if she isn't going to reap the benefits of lowering
her risk of breast cancer through breastfeeding, then she needs to be taught
the other ways she can lower her risk of breast cancer (diet, exercise) and
be taught the extra added importance of doing monthly breast self-exams and
yearly mammograms, perhaps starting with the mammograms before she is 40.
And since she will be at higher risk of osteoporosis if she doesn't
breastfeed, then she needs to make sure she gets plenty of calcium and
Vitamin D, and leads an active life.  And so on, and so forth.>>

This is exactly right! IMO, there should be in-depth classes for parents who
choose artificial feeding on caring for immune-impaired babies and children.
The very fact that mothers must take classes or attend LLL to breastfeed
successfully, while nothing is required to AF, only implies that AF is the
norm.
Jennifer Tow, IBCLC, CT, USA

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