Thanks, Barb, for striking a blow for "preparedness and credibility" and
"successful breastfeeding outcomes"!  I love the positive tone, and of
course, the paean to those who "have led the renaissance in breastfeeding".
You made my day.

Ruth Piatak, LLLL
Plano, TX

------------------------------

Date:    Tue, 3 Aug 2004 15:56:19 -0400
From:    Barb Roseborough <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Letter to Today

Another response ....
=20
I am a regular viewer of the TODAY show as I'm preparing breakfast,
shuffling around the house, and generally getting ready for work.  I've
learned a lot over the years, but this morning's segment on
breastfeeding troubled me.  I'm sure Campbell Brown and Dr. Natterson
saw themselves as supportive of breastfeeding, but as a mother,
grandmother, former LaLeche League leader and lactation consultant, I
was flabbergasted!  While the intent might have been laudible and some
of the information might have been acceptable, much of it was downright
inaccurate and the general tone was negative.  Had I been a pregnant
mom, exploring whether or not I should nurse my baby and assuming that I
might get "expert" advice via the TODAY show, I would have surely
thought twice about initiating something "painful."

I also read the article/excerpt from Dr. Natterson's book on the MSNBC
website.  This is World Breastfeeding Week and your coverage,
interviewing a non-expert (on the topic of breastfeeding and infant
nutrition) who not only didn't give adequate "breastfeeding basics: tips
for new moms," but also conveyed the idea that it probably doesn't
matter anyway, was a major faux-pas.

How about interviewing an expert on the topic and giving witness to the
professionals who work on a daily basis to assist mothers and their
babies to achieve successful breastfeeding outcomes?  These include the
pediatricians of the breastfeeding section of the American Academy of
Pediatrics; the physicians of the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine; the
lactation consultants credentialled by the International Board of
Lactation Consultant Examiners who work in hospitals, clinics,
physicians' offices; the thousands of La Leche League leaders who for
almost fifty years have volunteered their time, knowledge, and life
experience to help others and have led the renaissance in breastfeeding.

You can do better, TODAY show.  This segment did not reflect the usual
preparedness and credibility I've come to expect from you.

Barb Roseborough, MSN, RN, CCE
Educational Services
Saint Vincent Health Center
Erie, PA 16544
(814) 452-5686
(FAX) (814) 452-5698

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