Diane: I agree that it's good to remember "never say never". I hope nobody is telling mothers that their baby will never die of SIDS or get diabetes. We talk in terms of reduced risk, not absolute elimination of risk. The only thing we know for sure is that the mother who lays her baby on its side or back, breastfeeds her baby and keeps a smoke-free home has done all that is known to be in her power to prevent the disease. Diseases like SIDS and diabetes are multifactorial, probably with numerous risk factors, only a few of which we know about. I make it a point in my talks to parents that not all artificially fed babies get sick, and not all breastfed babies are healthy. It's just a matter of stacking the odds. Alicia. [log in to unmask]