Misunderstanding about LLL position
I think the LLL has been misrepresented on their position on donated milk and cross-nursing, etc.
http://www.llli.org/llleaderweb/LV/LVJulAug95p53.html
"The Leader shall inform any mother interested in using donated human milk for her baby, whether on an occasional or on a long term basis, of the documented risks and benefits connected with this form of infant feeding."
It looks to me like they're just covering their butts to avoid any accusations of influencing/forcing a woman to donate milk or use donated milk, or backlash from someone if something were to happen, unfortunately, when cross-nursing.
I believe in informed consent, and think it's best that they provide information about cross-nursing and wet nursing, including the dangers. I don't believe LLL would benefit from misrepresenting the facts... I'm sure if it was safer, they would be all over endorsing it as opposed to formula! They present the dangers, and recommend that
"If a mother asks about cross nursing, a Leader can suggest that a substitute nursing mother needs to be screened carefully using the following criteria:
* She should be healthy, well-nourished and taking no medication. Ideally, she has an infant about the same age as the one she would be cross nursing.
* She should be screened for tuberculosis, syphilis, hepatitis-associated antigen, cytomegalovirus, herpes virus, HIV and other infectious agents.
* She should not smoke, drink alcohol, or consume large amounts of caffeinated or artificially sweetened beverages.
* Her own infant should be healthy, gaining well and free of all infections."
It is very clear in the guidelines that they are to facilitate women who approach them about these options, and it is good that they offer the facts but at the same time respect the mothers' decisions and offer support if they make that choice, it being an informed decision.
As soon as my friend told me about this, I recycled the issue I got in the mail. (Free subscription, I'd never pay for this, lol)
Being discreet is a personal choice, not a requirement (in most states anyway). For them to strongly suggest that breastfeeding should be hidden regardless of the mother's feelings and state law is ludicrous.
