In a message dated 12/10/98 7:07:20 AM Central Standard Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:
Marilyn wants to know:

<< I am a LC in a small hospital (1200 births and 65% bf).It has been
suggested
 by the staff nurses that formula feeding mothers feel like second class
 citizens. They have suggested that the LC visit all moms to talk about her
 particular choice of infant feeding. Is this really unreasonable or an
 opportunity for good PR that may be helpful later? I would certainly
 appreciate your collective wisdom on this one. Thanks
  >>

I think it imperative that moms who choose formula are taught how to feed
their babies "properly."  Actually, feeding formula is a LOT more complicated
than breastfeeding -- once you get bf down, it's quicker and easier.  The
problem is, most moms who use formula not only don't do it right, I think they
inadvertently set their babies up for illnesses because no one has taught them
HOW to do it.  And we, as HCP are at fault, because we make assumptions that
mothers will sterilize bottle nipples and bottles.  Why should they be
sterilized, you ask?  Because there is no protection for the baby against
pathogens in formula.  It's a DEAD substance.  And babies probably get sick as
much from dirty bottles and formula left out as they do from simply not
breastfeeding.  Oh yes, if you teach formula feeding "right," most of these
moms will decide that breastfeeding is a heck of a lot easier.

Don't forget to have the moms write down the lot numbers of all the formula
they ever use and buy so that if it is recalled, and babies are dying from
formula that has been contaminated by salmonella, that she'll have proof of
the lot numbers, and she can sue.

Also remind them that it is better to buy ready to feed, so the formula
company can't claim that she used dirty water to mix the formula in -- not to
mention that way she won't accidently get too much formula in the mix, or too
little, or have cryptosporidium in the water, or forget, and give concentrate
straight, or whatever...

Yes, absolutely I think we need to teach mothers how to formula feed.

Linda Kutner sees ALL the mothers in her hospital as the "infant feeding
specialist."  The handout she gives on preparing formula is longer than the
one on breastfeeding.

Jan Barger