Via Facsimile and Email
Ms. Maria Checchia
WUSA-TV9 News

Dear Ms. Checchia:

I am writing regarding tomorrow’s episode of Chicago Hope “The Breast
and the Brightest.,” in which a breastfed baby dies of dehydration.
Because of the potential for leaving viewers with a mistaken impression
about the risks associated with breastfeeding vs. formula-feeding, it is
important that the news department address this issue in its broadcasts
tomorrow.

CBS News has produced a news clip (part of the “Hope in Chicago”
series on health issues raised by Chicago Hope story lines) containing
accurate information about this issue from medical professionals.  In
addition, Medela (a leading manufacturer of breast pumps) has produced
a Video News Release, in conjunction with La Leche League
International, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the International
Lactation Consultants Association.  I strongly urge you to air one or both
of these pieces on all of tomorrow night’s news broadcasts (or produce
your own piece in conjunction with one of the many breastfeeding experts
in the DC area) so that your viewing audience will be apprised of the
following critical facts:

Dehydrationis a rare and preventable condition that is caused by
mismanagement of breastfeeding, and is not caused by breastfeeding
itself.
Breastfeedingis an important public health issue because the use of
formula instead of breastfeeding has significant health risks such as
higher rates of respiratory and gastrointestinal infections, allergies,
asthma, etc.
A mother can easily tell if her baby is getting enough of her milk by
looking for at least 6 very wet and 3 soiled diapers per day.  Other
obvious signs of dehydration that every mother should be aware of
are: listlessness, dry skin, sunken fontanel, dark urine or crystals in
urine.  Any baby with fewer wet and soiled diapers, or with any of
the other signs of dehydration, should receive immediate medical
attention.

Additional information can be found at the La Leche League International
web site <http://www.lalecheleague.org/Release/hope.html>  The VNR
from Medela will be available via satellite today or tomorrow.  Please feel
free to call me if you have any questions about this.  My number is (703)
903-8876.  Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Sincerely,
J. Rachael Hamlet