BFing support in Iraq?

[Sharlla]

This page got me thinking http://yumacc.com/operationformula/ Anyone know of a similar program for BFing support and awareness?

[intorainbowz]

Originally Posted by Sharlla

This page got me thinking http://yumacc.com/operationformula/ Anyone know of a similar program for BFing support and awareness?

I don't, and for the first time in many moons, I don't have any friends or family over there. : I hope there would be a breastfeeding support program.

I'd be interested to know if there was, but I doubt it. I don't see the military sending LCs into Basra. In this stuation, it would be safer to send formula, as no one cares of a formula can gets shot, KWIM? I care about each human life lost over there.

I wonder how many of these infants are starving because their moms were killed in the fighting?:

[*mama moose*]

I haven't heard of anything, but that might be a good link to save for those who post what can they do with the "care packages" sent/given to them. I agree with a PP that many of those babies are malnourished most likely because their mothers have died or been injured :

[JessasMilkMama]

A little known fact is that there really wasnt much infant formula in Iraq at all before the war - Saddam was pro BFing and even had a whole campaign about it. I had an article on it, Ill see if I could find it.

I wonder if they have the clean water now to even mix the formula.

[My4Boys]

Originally Posted by JessasMilkMama

I wonder if they have the clean water now to even mix the formula.

This is my concern. We are introducing a potentially dangerous foreign substance into their culture with little or no information on how to use it properly and no guarantee of continued supply. I wonder if this sweet and from the heart gesture won't cause more long term damage. I would almost bet money that the kind and helpful Marine wives who set up this program do not have a concept of formula as potentially dangerous.

[songbh]

All good questions. A very sad/enraging situation all around. Sigh.

Is anyone in a position to pursue:

1) Collecting $ donations along with powdered formula so that safe bottled water can be purchased locally and distributed with the formula?

2) Translating the instructions from the can's label into Arabic (or whatever the local dialect/language is where this division is stationed)?

3) Obtaining and providing basic literature on breastfeeding, in the appropriate language, that the Marines could distribute along with the formula?

If lactivists are willing to work in a positive way, in a supporting role, with this program, we might be able to help some hungry babies in the middle of a war. That's a hopeful thought!