Breast is best, was Re: Internet survey - should mothers breastfeedin public? - misc.kids.breastfeeding

Message from discussion Breast is best, was Re: Internet survey - should mothers breastfeedin public?
From: CAROL KENNON <c.ken...@worldnet.att.net>
Subject: Re: Breast is best, was Re: Internet survey - should mothers  breastfeedin public?
Date: 2000/05/24
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Benjamin Malone wrote:

> In article <392C49CF.E8405...@worldnet.att.net>, CAROL KENNON
> <c.ken...@worldnet.att.net> wrote:
>
> >I get a little
> >sick of hearing about risks of formula as opposed to benefits of
> >breastmilk.....Putting a negative spin on formula by referring
> to
> >risks is an unnecessary bummer.
>
> Not only is it a bummer but it is designed to personally attack
> the credibilit and sensitivity of those who chose, or have no
> choice, to formula feed.
>
> It is just another extremist philosophy that goes along with
> extremist attitudes.
>

There is a fine line between encouragement and proselytizing, between teaching
and preaching. Breastmilk provides superior nutrition, that much is clear. The
extent to which it is superior is still being explored. I don't doubt that many
lactation promoters have the best interest of mothers and babies at heart. In
fact, I admire the hours and effort they devote to a very demanding job and they
have made such a difference. On the other hand, there is a contingent of folks
who are very opinionated (the in your face crowd) who are reminiscent of
Christian missionaries and have a need to dictate to others how to live their
lives. They display an annoying intolerance for those who hold different
opinions and interests. Rather than using the scientific literature to gain a
balanced and objective perspective of what has been learned, they selectively
choose those articles which support their point of view. They says things like
"formula kills" and then distribute a very selective and biased bibliography.
The effect of this behavior can actually be more harmful than helpful. Mothers
who want an honest appraisal of the situation feel that they have been given a
biased sermon rather than factual information. They then become somewhat
resentful and distrustful. I think it is possible to encourage breastfeeding in
a friendly and accepting way. In fact, I honestly believe that if we removed
some of the "excess baggage" such as the talk about dire health consequences
(many of which are still somewhat theoretical) and implications that
breastfeeding is related to women power, we might persuade more new moms to try
it. As it is, the subject is mired in politics, opinions, etc.