A high-profile media assault has been launched against – breastfeeding?!!  It began with journalist Hanna Rosin publishing a story in the Atlantic called "The Case Against Breastfeeding," arguing, among other things, that the medical evidence to recommend breastfeeding is thin at best.  Rosin says that it is ridiculous to pressure bus drivers and waitresses to breastfeed based on little scientific evidence  since it is difficult, given their jobs.   Rosin even went on the Today show and made her case, supported by Today's medical editor Dr. Nancy Snyderman, who gushed that, "Formula is WONDERFUL!!"  Rosin also held forth on WNYC, a popular radio show in New York City.  In addition, Rosin’s friend, Debra Dickerson, published a supporting piece in the recent issue of Mother Jones.  Their irresponsible journalism does not even include any experts on either side, to have a real, balanced discussion on this issue.

The good news is that the controversy can be used to draw attention to the bigger issue: the need for better breastfeeding support in the United States.  APHA policy statement 200714 talks about paid maternity leave, more Baby-Friendly Hospitals, and worksite laws.   Also, in all this publicity, no one is talking about the public health impact on women from early weaning, a key issue in the "mommy wars" discussion that has started.  It is important to emphasize three areas:

·         the need for more support and better laws.

·         breastfeeding as a women's health issue.

·         the real scientific basis for supporting breastfeeding, as expounded by real experts, not lay journalists who are not scientists.

The U.S. Breastfeeding Committee is crafting a response by member organizations, such as APHA, so watch for a call to action.  For more information on the controversy, go to:

http://massbfc.org/index.php/2009/atlantic-article-sparks-breastfeeding-storm/ (has a link to the Atlantic article)

http://www.momsrising.org/content/case-against-breastfeeding-overlooks-big-dirty-secret