It would seem to me that if we have to rearrange human milk, then the premise
for this rearrangement means that human milk is an imperfect substance.  The
proof of this imperfection and the proof of exactly what has to be done to
improve it lies where?  Are the studies that show this need for improvement
devoid of vested interests--such as the infant formula industry?

What does lactoengineering do psychologically to mothers?  Her milk isn't
good enough?  That someone else--the expert (who obviously has more knowledge
than God/Nature) can rearrange her milk to suit her infant.  What knowledge
base are we working with?  Where is the evidence for considering
lactoengineering a solution for feeding  compromised or ill infants?  Better
health outcomes for infants and mothers?  More breastfeeding?  Less
breastfeeding?

I believe that human milk and its benefits do not lie in one component over
another.  Nothing in nature works alone.  Fiddling with one component effects
other components in the milk.  Do people who lactoengineer human milk know
the ramifications of making rearrangements?  I suggest that they do not.

Lactoengineering means that we are spending our resources on a product. We
essentially are fixating on "the milk."  Yet shouldn't our profession be
fixed on "breastfeeding," the process.  How many mothers of premies go home
with an infant that can latch onto the breast and receive milk?

So what is the story?  Is human milk the most perfect food?  Or is it only
perfection for certain women and certain babies?  Can the expert determine
biological perfection and imperfection?  What is the ramification to our
world, to our profession, to our mothers in accepting the view that human
milk needs to be improved upon in certain cases?  And will this view "infect"
more and more mothers and babies so that what we get is a culture that only
treasures the product not the process?
Valerie W. McClain, IBCLC

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