Cathy's post about the Ross promo reminded me of how the press has handled
the calcium loss/gain research.

I read the Reuters (news service) full article and it included both the bone
loss of calcium in the first 3 months of breastfeeding as well as the
subsequent gain to levels beyond what had been a mothers bone density. It
related the findings that this restoration of calcium was cumulative over
several breastfeeding experiences.  The thrust of the research was the
finding that additional dietary calcium made little difference. Women who
breastfeed their babies are not at a greater risk for osteoporosis.

However, in my sister's local daily newspaper the research (as published in
the New England J of M) reported the calcium losses in the first 3 months of
b'feeding and that taking additional calcium didn't correct the problem, but
a woman could drink extra milk if she was going to b'feed.

There was NOTHING about restoration and enhancement of ca. levels in the
bones of these women. Newspapers around the country get the whole story from
the news service, but the locals "edit" to their hearts content, and make
anything read as they want it to read. And did this paper print any of the
other positive breastfeeding news of late? NO!  And do most people believe
whatever their local paper prints?  YES!

Patricia Gima, IBCLC
Milwaukee
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