New Resource: Our Neonatologist just showed me a copy of her "Clinical Pediatrics" of June, 1996. On Page 283-293 (290-293 list 173 references) they have an article called: "Special Properties of Human Milk" by Carol L. Wagner, MD, Diane M. Anderson, Ph.D., RD, and WilliamB. Pittard, III, MD. "Summary: In this review, several nutritional and nonnutritive differences between mothers' milk and formula and their relationship to neonatal gastrointestinal and immune process are discussed. The dynamic relationship of human milk as evidenced by its changing composition, unique bioactive and immunologic properties, and specialized cellular componenets is further delineated. The clinical significance and relevance of these findings to the clinician are then presented. Lastly, educational strategies, their effectiveness in promoting breastfeeding, and an approach that might be taken by the clinician to encourage breastfeeding are outlined." They have some great tables including "Differences between mothers' milk and formula" , " Immunoportective components of human milk" "Other Bioactive sublstances in Human Milk" (Growth factors and cytokines, Hormones, Miscellaneous) " Aspects of gut function in the early neonatal period affecting GI tract function" Best of all, they encourage clinicians to take a proactive approach and after asking "What type of feeding have you chosen for your infant?" to follow it with "asking her if she ever considered breastfeeding and why she has elected not to breastfeed" and :"Even if you choose to feed your baby formula, you might like to know some of the differences between mothers' milk and formulas." (Table 5 is An Educational approach regarding breastfeeding"). In addition, they encourage hospital education during the postpartum period. They encourage education of the nursing staff, housestaff and attending physicians and ongoing education of patients from the beginning of the prenatal months rather than waiting for the end. They encourage early follow-up "by an experienced nurse" and "anticipatory guidance during the early stages of lactation". Missing: No mention of Postpartum support groups or specialized health care professionals (LC's). Still, glad to see all this information so well documented in a recognized journal. Jeanette Panchula, BSW, LLLL, IBCLC, LC [log in to unmask] Puerto Rico