July 13, 2007

Letters to the Editor

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Reader: More appropriate photograph needed for Family Health Supplement

I have a brief comment concerning the Family Health Supplement in the June 15 issue of The Criterion.

As a mother to a 10-month-old infant, I found the article to be interesting, helpful and a good summary of important health care information relevant to my life.

However, I would like to comment about the picture. I was extremely disappointed to see a bottle accompanying an article concerning health practices for newborns and infants.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a full year of breastfeeding to provide the best health and emotional development for all children (http://aappolicy.aappublications.org/cgi/

content/full/pediatrics;115/2/496).

While bottles are necessary and useful for some mothers, we need to support and work for a culture that supports and elevates the efforts mothers make to feed their babies themselves.

A half-page picture of an infant using a bottle is exactly contrary to this goal.

I know perhaps that Catholic News Service may have provided the picture along with the article. I am also sending a comment to them.

A more appropriate image should have been selected.

Breastfeeding mothers are better supported through images that do not stress using a bottle.

My wish is to increase your awareness and ask for the examination of The Criterion’s content in this context.

- Meaghan Bauer, Indianapolis

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