The Story of Stuff

[MamaBear1976]

I don't know how many of you have seen this (long, but very informative) video, but it's interesting, and it does mention breastfeeding as "the most fundamental human act of nurturing." I wanted to share this in light of the BPA in formula cans threads that have been started here. I think it goes without saying that formula cans with BPA in them are one perfect example of what Annie Leonard is saying about how stuff moves through the system in a "toxics in, toxics out" sort of way. Moderators, I'm not sure where to put this, so please feel free to move it if it's not appropriate for "Lactivism." I do want to emphasize that I don't believe this video is anti-breastfeeding at all, just in case that's anyone's concern upon watching it and not seeing enough in the way of breastfeeding promotion. It's not meant to be a breastfeeding promotion video, but I thought those of you interested in lactivism would also be interested in watching it to see the big picture of how it is that toxic products do get into breastmilk, that it's not something we can just ignore in case someone brings it up as a (stupid) argument against breastfeeding.

The Story of Stuff

[mama24-7]

I've been watching it here & there over the past few days. And I think, in a very backdoor sort of way, it is hugely about lactivism! Why? Because it's all about how we're a society of stuff and what that does to us & the planet. Breastfeeding is one of the few things in life that stuff is usually not necessary. Even breastpumps: I think many moms are being duped into believing that they *must* have a pump, they *must* pump regularly and they *must* build up a freezer stash! They get those darn sheets at BRU saying all the zillion things that you *must have* in order to bring a baby into the world. Hogwash!! How many moms end up w/ oversupply becasue they were told they *have* to pump?

And, by choosing not breastfeeding, you contribute to the mound of stuff all around all of us: waste from the collection, manufacturing, transportation, marketing, etc. of artificial milk. Waste from the heating, storing, cooling, cleaning of artificial milk & it's containers. Waste from the packaging, bottles, nipples, etc. being manufactured, transported, marketing, etc. It all feeds into the consumerism and stuff attitude.

I wonder if people realized how much they're being duped by the artificial milk companies into making them rich if that would change any minds on the "feeding choice."

(Usual disclaimer on all the above for those w/ low milk supply or circumstances that led to not breastfeeding. )

Sus