This confirms my own experience albiet from a different anle. My mother being a 1930's trained midwife was a strong breast feeding advocate, having breast fed me her only child in 1951, despite considerable social pressure to be more modern. When she returned to work in 1958 I do remember her being at the very least appalled at not only the drugs being used in labour but the decline in breast feeding. She always encouraged mums to breast feed when she could and I knew in my heart from an early age that was the only way to feed a baby in her eyes. At the small rural hospital wher she worked (Tully, Qld.,) the midwives routinely collected breast milk from term mothers for any preemies that were in the nursery and needed extra milk (they were all quite fastidious, I remember, so I am sure the milk was treated appropriately).
So, when I had my own babies there was no conflict only support from my mum. I had my first 2 daughters at Corinda Maternity Center in Brisbane, Qld., in 1976 and 1978 and I felt the staff were very supportive of breast feeding. They did encourage pumping so that if we needed to sleep through at night they had milk for feeds. I remember checking the fridge to see that my milk was appropriately labelled. To my knowledge no formula was given and even though we didn't have rooming in for my first daughter, they did 2 yrs later. I wonder if Corinda Maternity still exits?? So, i agree grandmothers have a strong influence on how infants are fed and if at all possible should be included in childbirth/infant care classes. Regards, marilyn -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit <http://www.acegraphics.com.au> to subscribe or unsubscribe.
