I have just recently been interviewing mothers for an article I am writing 
on premature babies, and it has been almost shocking to me to hear their 
stories. On the one hand, there is a token support for breastfeeding 
("breastmilk is best") but on the other hand there is so little actual help, 
accurate information or encouragement. The pediatrician expert I interviewed 
simply dismissed breastfeeding and said "there's no point in talking about 
it, practically no premature babies end up being breastfed." Talk about a 
self-fulfilling prophecy!

Mothers who had diligently researched and wanted to do evidence-based things 
like skin-to-skin kangaroo care, pumping during the day and night from 
birth, etc., were told that they were "crazy." Women whose babies were 
breastfeeding well were told that they could not take the baby home until 
the baby was also taking a bottle. (One mother told the staff "well, he'll 
probably start with a sippy cup eventually - I guess we'll just have to stay 
here until then.")

Teresa Pitman 

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