It is unfortunate on so many levels that the ARC choose a picture of a woman bottle feeding a baby to try and get people to donate money for the relief effort in Japan. Of course breastfed babies are more likely to survive in disaster situations. What is needed is breastfeeding information and support and information about relactation. Japan has low breastfeeding rates and the government has been trying to improve infant health and breastfeeding rates (before the disaster).
There will be a need for some formula for babies that do not have access to their mothers' milk or the milk of another mother. However, organizations should not use pictures of infants and bottles to solicit money or other donations. I will not give any money to any organization that spends money on infant formula.
I searched and didn't find any other threads on this topic. If there have been, I'm sorry if I'm bringing up something that has already been discussed. I've emailed the American Red Cross with my concern. Wouldn't it be great if this topic made it to one of the morning news shows!
Follow Mothering