Arly wrote:
Improved:  "Formula-feeding is a major cause of infant morbidity and
mortality in the U.S.  For example:  formula-fed babies are more than
twice as likely to be hospitalized for RSV as breastfed babies; the
difference in illness and death between these two groups is actually
caused by formula feeding..."

I am uncomfortable with saying "formula feeding" is the cause.  I think it
is more accurate to say "lack of breastfeeding", and lack of all the
wonderful components that promote infant health and well-being, is the cause
of illness and death in formula-fed babies.

I think that as the HHS/Ad Council breastfeeding campaign comes out, and
there is increasing interest in and promotion of BF, the formula industry is
going to be increasingly "touchy".  They may decide to pursue publicty and
even lawsuits for incorrect information.

To say that there is a correlation between formula feeding and infant
illness is accurate.  To say that formula fed babies lack certain nutrients
and substances that work to help develop their bodies in a way that resists
illness is accurate.   To say that formula feeding causes illness is not.

What do you think?

Barb Berges BS, RN, IBCLC
Rochester, New York

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

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(TM)
mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to:
http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html