Hi all,
I'd like to thank those who answered my recent posts whether it has been on
Lactnet or by private e-mail! What a wealth of information, I am so excited
about what I am learning!
Was urged by a pal to read the guest editorials in JHL and I think Diane
Wiessinger, "Watch Your Language!", should be required reading for all peer
counselors! I do feel from an ethical stand point we OWE these mothers the
FACTS about artifical feeding. It may be considered by some as another egg
shell to walk on in our "politically correct" obsessed society.  I just see
it as a simple issue of honesty.
I,too, have the same concern expressed by Sharon S. Humenick and Pamela D.
Hill,"Salespeople and the Lactation Army: Taking a stand for Health and
Human Milk."  I have patients with whom I work very hard with
prenatally-they seem very dedicated to breastfeeding.  Then they go into the
hospital and are given the cute little baby bags with a bottle and a can of
abm.  When I make that first home visit to assess the situation-more times
than I care to mention, Mom is supplementing!  AND,WHY?  I'm told the same
thing over and over again,"I thought I was supposed to because THE HOSPITAL
GAVE IT TO ME."  Hospitals aren't the only ones, often well meaning other
professionals in health departments, Doctor's offices, and WIC offices don't
fully think about the implications of handing out this hazardous little gift.

Laura H. Ehrenzeller,BA, Breastfeeding Peer Counselor and frustrated right now!