<<But of course we can't encourage thumbsucking - who would make any money
then?

Felicia Henry
Oxnard, CA & a new IBCLC!!>>

Congrats, Felicia!

I can think of a few groups that would make money off of thumbsucking (as
well as continual pacifier sucking)... The American Association of
Orthodontists and The American Speech and Hearing Association.

Of course, not every child who uses a thumb or pacifier will have speech or
orthodontic deficits, but not breastfeeding increases the risk of either or
both. Many websites suggest "just throw the pacifier away after 5-6 months,"
or have your child's thumb/fingers fitted with "an appliance" to stop
thumb/finger-sucking, but if it is difficult to wean from the breast at this
time, wouldn't a sudden weaning from the pacifier/thumb be equally
traumatic? Many mothers wean from the pacifier/thumb by nursing more, which
could appear counterproductive in some eyes.

The damage caused by sucking on an artificial anything will be revealed in
about 8 years, when there is a huge increase in children who require
services. Something like what many schools are currently suffering, largely
due to the introduction of the Playtex "Spill-Proof cups" in 1994.

Who would have thought that one organization's declaration would cause so
much difficulty for so many others?

Bewildered wishes from clear, chilly SE Ohio,
Heather "Sam" Doak

--
No virus found in this outgoing message.
Checked by AVG Anti-Virus.
Version: 7.0.344 / Virus Database: 267.12.0/134 - Release Date: 10/14/05

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

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