There are definite situations when breast-feeding is not recommended. Breast-feeding is not recommended when the mom uses addictive drugs, when she drinks more than a minimal amount of alcohol, when she is on certain medications, or if she is HIV positive. Otherwise, breast milk is recommended for all infants in the United States under ordinary circumstances for the first twelve months of life.

But lately these accepted standards have been challenged by an article in the April issue of The Atlantic. The article, “The Case Against Breast-Feeding” has stimulated the posting of many opinions and has also asked us to take a look at our own personal attitude toward the topic. Another article, posted at www.babble.com, titled “The Backlash to Breast is Best” is in response to the Atlantic article and challenges us to examine the mixed messages we send to new moms about breast-feeding.

What is your opinion of these articles? What effect do these articles have on new mothers and their decision to breast-feed? Do you feel these articles strike a personal note for you?

Breast milk is recommended for all infants from birth to 12 months. Feeding time should be pleasurable for both infant and mother. Here are some tips to insure success.

• Start nursing within an hour after delivery if possible.
• Wait a week or two before introducing a pacifier or bottle to reduce the risk of confusing the baby.
• Get immediate medical attention if there is any sign of breast infection.
• Newborns need to nurse often, at least every two hours, and not on any strict schedule so nursing on demand is best until the baby settles into a more predictable routine.
• The nursing mother needs about 500 extra calories a day so a balanced diet is very important.
• Consult a nurse, midwife, or lactation consultant for help with proper positioning of the baby, nipple soreness, breast engorgement or any other problem you may encounter.