I recently had the opportunity to help a mother of multiples with her babies and feeding them formula was the most depressing experience. After nursing my five children (one set of twins) I never knew how much I reaped until I had that experience. It was so sterile. I am so grateful that I was so militant about nursing. We are so emotionally bonded and the other benefits are just gravy. If WIC were eliminated and people had to nurse, everyone would benefit. Please don't tell me some women can't nurse. What do you think happened to babies before the 1960's or babies in third world countries?
Lisa Pearceof TX1:38PM February 14, 2011
I agree with Jacalyn. My wife breastfeeds our 3.5 mos. old boy. Both are healthy and hale. It would be hard not to conclude that breastfeeding has huge benefits— both discovered and not discovered. It is a shame that some moms can't take the necessary time to breastfeed. An hourly wage is poor compensation for the lost opportunity for mom and kid to benefit their well being. It hurts to contemplate the long term costs - just socially, never mind financially.
-R.
robof TN12:54PM September 15, 2010
I am a "lactivist", former grad student at a med school in Alberta, Canada, and health researcher, studying breastfeeding, among other topics. Yes, the benefits of breastfeeding just take your breath away, don't they? Mother Nature has found a way to "give back", for moms who are willing/able to do the best for their babies...
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Lisa Pearce of TX 1:38PM February 14, 2011
rob of TN 12:54PM September 15, 2010
Jacalyn 10:50AM September 15, 2010