Elisheva writes <However, I have a question about the accounting.> <. . sadly do not make it are counted in our infant mortality statistics.> <In the US, 24 weekers and similar very early premies are routinely delivered alive, count as live births and presumably the many of them that sadly do not make it are counted in our infant mortality statistics. > Not to stir up any hornet's nests, but I understand that an individual nation's abortion policies, availability, affordability, social acceptability, etc. is an important variable that causes different patterns in the # of pregnancies that ever reach the stage to be counted in their birth statistics. (e.g. in a nation with a "one family, one child" policy, would their birth and mortality/morbidity statistics and a different nation's birth and mortality/morbidity statistics mean much if compared?) In other words, is this discussion in some ways comparing apples with oranges? It somehow seems a little fruitless, (pun intended) at least to me. While I have no expertise in statistics, I feel on firmer ground comparing relative rates of specific diseases themselves (otitis media, etc.) within one population, when known and clearly defined feeding method is the main variable. Jean ****************** K. Jean Cotterman RNC, IBCLC Dayton, Ohio USA *********************************************** The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(TM) mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to: http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html