I used to think the same Valerie. Certainly of the 34 weekers and older. Then it was pointed out to me that without 'science and medical intervention' the real tiny ones by nature would never have survived. So if we are resorting to 'science' for deliverying and keeping the sick and tinnies around, then it's quite possible that mums bodies/milks etc have to succumb to science as well. Perhaps this is a case of evolution not catching up with our skills as scientists. I do however think that if these babies 'need' (and I feel that many may not), then we should be looking more at 'lactoengineering' even if on a simplistic basis of of skimming the fat from the expression of one breast and adding it to the whole milk of the other, and not so much on the other additives. I am beginning to believe that more babies are being fed 'cows milk fortifiers' than really need it because they are slightly 'early' of need 'fattening up'. We have to start here I feel and realy only use these tools if absolutely necessary. Thanks Pam Lacey IBCLC >>>>>>From: "Valerie W. McClain, IBCLC" <[log in to unmask]> Subject: human milk fortifiers and lactoengineering If we believe that human milk is the gold standard, what is the basis for belief in human milk fortifiers and lactoengineering of human milk? Is it human milk is the gold standard only in the full-term and/or healthy infant? How do we rationalize this need to change this precious liquid into something science believes must be better for the compromised infant? _________________________________________________________________ Add photos to your e-mail with MSN 8. Get 2 months FREE*. http://join.msn.com/?page=features/featuredemail *********************************************** To temporarily stop your subscription: set lactnet nomail To start it again: set lactnet mail (or digest) To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet All commands go to [log in to unmask] 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