Mary, I have used the ABM vs cigarettes analogy before, but for different
reasons. I found it very interesting to see the different ways that people
view this analogy, and now realize that they may not see or hear what *I*
see and hear. When I compare the two, it is along the lines of historical
cultural acceptance and ignorance of the truth, not the absolute goodness
or badness of the product. Cigarettes were once viewed as entirely
harmless, along with second hand smoke. Later, we learned more and
realized that their use correlated with higher risks of cancer, etc, yet
many people continue to deny the newer information because they don't want
to be found "wrong". Use of ABM also correlates with higher risks of many
illnesses, and bfg is associated with lower risks. The parallels are not
exact, but the cultural slowness to change its views of what is best in
light of new information has many similarities.

We know that a lower fat diet lowers the risk of heart disease...
We know that smoking increases the risk of lung diseases....
We know that breastfeeding lowers the risk of juvenile diabetes, otitis
media, some lymphomas, some auto-immune disorders, etc. etc.
We know that ABM is associated with a higher risk of the above....
And these are all health issues, right? Not about absolutes, but about
relative risks and benefits for a longer, healthier life...

Alright, I'm hopping off the soapbox now....
-Lisa

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Lisa Marasco, BA, LLLL, IBCLC
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