Anne, you asked for a reference for avoiding ABM supplementation in the
breastfed baby.  An excellent article is:  Ten Steps to Successful
Breastfeeding:  A Summary of the Rationale and Scientific Evidence, BIRTH
23:3 Sept. 96, Randa Saadeh, RD, James Akre, BA, MPIA.
        It is a 3 page article with 122 references.  The 6th step: "Give newborn
infants no food or drink other than breastmilk, unless medically indicated"
has over 40 references so you should be able to find one the docs like.
        early supplements can cause:
        almost 4 fold risk of early weaning
        may reduce infant's sucking capacity & thus mother's lactation stimulus
        increased risk of introducing infections (I was an intern in a hospital
where I watched dietary staff           mix the formulas for the NICU babies -- I
reported the staff to the dietitian for NOT             WASHING THEIR HANDS!! - I
know we have ready to feed now, but still!)
        in case of formula, sensitizing infant to whole or hydrolyzed milk
proteins- quotes a Danish study
        early supplementation is a risk for allergic enteropathy
        latex and or silicone exposure from bottle nipples -- ? long term
problems, etc.

        Sometimes everyone is so focused on the baby's health only.  Might help
HCP to focus on mom's health as well since supplementation leads to early
weaning.  Try:  Breastfeeding & Women's Health, JRNL of WOMEN's HEALTH, Vol
7, No 4, 1998, Alicia Dermer, MD, IBCLC.

        I just always hear Minda's words in my head about the 10 steps -- they are
all based on the literature!!!   Good - luck.

Jill Lund, RD, MS, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
"Loving Support Makes Breastfeeding Work"  WIC National Breastfeeding
Promotion Campaign