Parents Magazine recently published a snippet from the healthcare journal Pediatrics, and parents are going crazy. They summarized this article which states,
Promoting breastfeeding as “natural” may be ethically problematic, and, even more troublingly, it may bolster this belief that “natural” approaches are presumptively healthier. This may ultimately challenge public health’s aims in other contexts, particularly childhood vaccination. (American Academy of Pediatrics)
Yes, you read that right. Breastfeeding isn’t natural. And since it’s not natural, that must means it’s unnatural? I know, I don’t quite understand either. It then pushes the boundary further and implies that if you breastfeed you will become part of the anti-vaccination movement. This is coming from a supposedly well-researched and trusted resource in the medical community. But can it be, when it sites such outlandish ideas? Talk about a blanket statement!
Now, I’m sure there are moms out their who believe in both nursing their babies and not vaccinating. But does one lead to the other? Sounds like a stretch to me.
You can read the original article here, but I’ll be honest, this kind of nonsense doesn’t influence my breastfeeding commitment or my vaccine decision. Rather, it makes me question what the American Association of Pediatrics advises me to do and spurs me to continue my “interest in health knowledge.”
What are your thoughts?