Trisha,

I agree 100% that LCs should never be mean, cruel, thoughtless, etc.  Ever.
But that is not what I am referring to when complaining about the statement on the womanshealth.gov website.  

I am not in any way, shape, or form condoning bad behavior.

Implicit in the statement: "As a new mom, you deserve support no matter how you decide to feed your baby. You should not be made to feel guilty if you cannot or choose not to breastfeed." is that THIS HAPPENS. .... A LOT, if it is noteworthy enough to put up front and center on the page!  Do you agree with this?  I sure don't.  It's nonsense.

It was only a few years ago that the standard line given by those in the medical profession to excuse their total lack of responsibility towards breastfeeding advocacy was: "We don't want to make moms feel guilty."  I say the womanshealth.gov statement is only a shade removed from that tired old evasion.

I really hope we can clearly see that the use of these "guilt" statements serve the formula companies, and more than likely are promulgated by them to the greatest extent that they can manage.  (See: Similac Ad)

Sue Jacoby, IBCLC
California  

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