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Subject:
From:
"Valerie W. McClain" <[log in to unmask]>
Reply To:
Lactation Information and Discussion <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Sat, 11 Oct 2003 05:30:16 EDT
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This new study on calcium absorption in infants will benefit who?  This is a
USDA research center, the United States Department of Agriculture(they support
the dairy industry).  This research center is at Baylor College of Medicine,
which owns patents on human milk components.  Baylor College is part of the
Human Genome Project.  I don't happen to believe that this research will help
promote breastfeeding.  What seems obvious to me is that they want to know what
component in human milk makes calcium more absorbable.  Find that component,
duplicate it and put it in infant formula and use it for human supplements.
Makes ya wonder about all the studies that say that premies don't get enough
calcium from human milk, so they must be supplemented.  Of course calcium
supplements can come from the dairy industry (calcium lactate, etc), so the dairy
industry has a financial stake in supplementation.  I do believe Nestle as well
as being part of the bottled water industry is also invested in the calcium
supplement industry.  Obviously, a great way to make a great deal of money.

I am intrigued by the enticements of this research--free formula for mothers
who bottlefed their infants and free use of an electric pump for mothers who
breastfeed.  Mothers may enroll before delivery--hm....just wondering how
pregnant women view this kind of enticement--free formula vs. free use of an
electric pump??

The way it reads, one has to wonder whether the breastfeeding participants
only get the the $30 check or do they get this in addition to $100 gift card to
Target and $50 check by mail that "participants" get?  It reads rather
strangely.  I would assume the breastfeeding participant gets more enticements
because they have to do 4 visits rather than the 3 the formula mothers have to do.
I wonder if these studies influence the pregnant woman in her decision-making
regarding infant feeding?  I am not saying intentionally but in subtle ways.
It would be an interesting study to do--study the study :)

Once again, I think the donation of human milk for research is not beneficial
to the preservation of breastfeeding.  The goal is to imitate human milk
because it is "the gold standard." Who would think that human milk is the GOLD
MINE for the infant formula and pharmaceutical industry?
Valerie W. McClain, IBCLC







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