Hello all,

Pardee wrote:
<<Mothers who would have stopped breastfeeding have continued because of a
manageable care plan that included the use of a bottle.>>

I couldn't agree more. Even though we all know that breast is best, isn't
partly breastfeeding better than quitting?? I tell my moms that I don't define
successful breastfeeding--they do! And I see my job as helping them to attain
*their* definition of success. I've had many moms who breastfed longer instead
of giving up because I've given them "permission" to (whatever--pump,
supplement, use formula or expressed milk, go to a wedding, etc).

I also help them to realistically explore their options and to see that they
don't have to give up nursing in many situations (e.g. why not take the baby
and a sitter to the wedding?), but leave the ultimate decisions up to them. I
do have a lot of happy moms & healthy babies who seem to be nursing longer
than I was seeing 5 years ago--to me, that's success!

Also, I agree that "human milk" is probably the best term to use, with "cow's
milk" or "artificial milk substitutes" if there are any control comparisons.
(Good luck, Rachel, with your paper--be sure to publish and let us know your
results)

Kathy IBCLC RNC in NJ