Again, we get all this, we are lactation consultants. BUT we are still struggling in every hospital environment with the reality that MOST babies get formula, even breast babies, in hospitals (or formula by-products). I challenge anyone to show me I am wrong. Let's unite against the proliferation of formula. Reality says most every breast pump company that relies totally on breast pump sales has gone belly-up, or been sold because not enough profit. Look at the history. Reality check, please. I am looking forward to the REQUIREMENT that we at least keep stats somewhere about which babies are actually, truly exclusively breastfed from birth. Gotta have a starting place to fight this battle.
-----Original Message-----
From: Lactation Information and Discussion [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Safe Passage Birth Services
Sent: Monday, March 09, 2009 12:37 PM
Subject: Re: WHO code
Are you aware that babies who are not fed at the breast have a higher incidence of orthodontic problems? That the visual acuity will not be as well developed? That many of the immunological mechanisms operate as a result of the baby nursing at the breast? Are you aware of the "bonding" that occurs at the breast? That babies who receive artificial nipples are more likely to wean prematurely? That it can be difficult to maintain an adequate supply through exclusive pumping?
That fertility will return sooner, thus mitigating some of breastfeeding's protective effects regarding the mother's development of cancer? Did you know that mothers who put their babies to breast when they get home from work are more likely to exhibit job satisfaction and feel better about their time away from babies?
Since all these issues are reality, are we not to educate mothers about them? Are we worried about making them feel guilty? Are we old-fashioned?
I'm sorry, but I find this post shockingly short-sighted and unsupportive of normal infant feeding practices.
Once again, my perspective is that there is a time and a place for breastpumps, bottles, teats, etc. ALL of those items should be marketed ethically, both because it is the right thing to do (pumps) and because there is a code governing those practices. As IBCLCs we have agreed to uphold that code. Yes, there are shades of gray. But being rabidly supportive of the Code does not mean one is unsupportive of mothers who must be separated from their babies or ignorant of the financial realities of said mothers.
And anyway, how could the Code reflect the current times in all cultures? That is impossible and equally short-sighted. This isn't about being popular, it's about doing the right thing.
Talk about not seeing the forest through the trees.
Gina Gerboth, IBCLC, CD(DONA), CBE
Pueblo, Colorado
www.safepassagebirth.com
On Mon, Mar 9, 2009 at 6:38 AM, <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> I am a Lactation Consultant in a SCN/NICU in the states. The reality
> in my world is babies get bottles. My partners and I work very very
> hard to make sure these babies get breastmilk in those bottles, NOT
> formula. Families on the Mother/Baby unit will tell you most moms are
> returning to work. Reality, bottles. Will I stop using Medela products
> that help these moms provide milk? No!!!!
> In my humble opinion, the Code should be revised to reflect the needs
> and culture of the times in all countries. Without changes, there is
> division within, and the one who suffers from all of the opposition is
> the baby, who deserves to receive mom's milk. We should be promoting
> breastmilk, however the family choses, instead of focusing on the
> vehicle by which it is being delivered.
> Christine Gabler, RNC, IBCLC
>
> ***********************************************
>
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