Hi. Just had to clarify my position on this one.

My problem with saying formula fed babies are 10 points *dumber* is NOT because
I think it should be or needs to be turned around (bf are smarter). I agree
wholeheartedly that we need to talk about bf as if it is the gold standard.

My problem is with the word "dumber"! The same information could be said as
follows:
Formula fed babies score 10 points LOWER than breastfed babies. This, in my
humble opinion, is more accurate to begin with. Using "dumber" implies that
there is an absolute relationship between score on an IQ test and intelligence,
and I do not believe that to be the case, especially when talking about a 10
point difference. Saying the score is lower tells it like it is.

More importantly, though, is the issue of putting up walls that make effective
give-and-take impossible. "Dumber" just asks for a battle--and a battle over
something other than the real issue at hand. My guess is that the responder
would have still asked for references but might have approached them with more
of an open mind.

Again, I have to recall how things went on Prodigy before, and how quickly
everything but real communication escalated when emotionally packed terms were
used. It reduces rational debate to mudslinging.

As I said before, the information about breastfeeding speaks for itself. The
message is powerful and doesn't need to be couched in such inflamatory terms.
Our responsibility lies in delivering the message in ways that folks will
listen. Yes, that responder "listened," but probably went away talking about
radical fanatics laying guilt trips.

Again, I apologize if I have ignored my own advice here!

Melissa Vickers, IBCLC
(Note: I have a new email address for the month: [log in to unmask] My
Compuserve address is still good but until they switch their rate schedule on
Sept 10, I would prefer emails to the AOL address! Thanks!)