Live webchat with Gabrielle Palmer, author of The Politics of Breastfeeding, this Friday (20 Nov, 1-2pm)

[HelenMumsnet]

Hello.

We're very pleased to have Gabrielle Palmer, author of the highly praised The Politics of Breastfeeding, as a guest for a live chat on Friday 20 Nov, 1-2pm.

Gabrielle Palmer is a nutritionist and a campaigner. She was a breastfeeding counsellor in the 70s and helped establish the UK pressure group Baby Milk Action. She has written, taught and campaigned on infant feeding issues, particularly the unethical marketing of baby foods.

In the 90s, she co-directed the International Breastfeeding: Practice and Policy course at The Institute of Child Health in London until she went to live in China for two years.

She has worked independently for various health and development agencies, including serving as HIV and Infant Feeding Officer for UNICEF New York.

As usual, if you can't join us on the day, please post your question here and Gabrielle will try to answer as many as possible on Friday.

Why is this not a sticky?

WON

DER

FUL

Just wanted to gush say how pleased I am. Will try and think of an intelligent question by Friday.

ditto wuglet, i can't think of a single good question now

actually i can think of one

many people in the developed world feel that the risks of formula feeding are something that apply only to the third world.
Can you tell us more about the risks of formula to children in the developed world (specifically the uk) and if possible do you have references to studies which back this up?

Oooh I thought of one.
Do you think social marketing has a role to play in encouraging BF in this country and where do you think it would be best aimed?

We'll sticky this right away - seeing as Moondog asked so nicely .

Can you not excuse my indignation being that every flogging opportunity by dullards is up there straight away as is inane guff such as
'Give us you feedback on the reversible umbrella/Bugaboo/Kenco caftiere and win £4 in Primark vouchers!!'

You've restored me faith in intrinsic quality of MN, believe you me.

Well yes Moondog but if you want the Gordons and the Gabrielles (not saying you do want Gordon) then you've got to have a few reversible umbrellas. Tis the way of the world. But very glad to have restored your faith .

I thought you having Gordon was fantastic I really did and it demonstrates how seriously this site is taken by the mandarins.

Not so keen on some of the others, tis true but I am a churlish sort in general.

Hi Gabrielle. I really enjoyed your book, the title of which caused great hilarity within my bookgroup. Sadly I couldn't persuade them to read it but I did manage to precis it for them

Now I was interested to know if the situation in Brazil has reverted back to allowing advertising? I note that in your afterword you say that after President 'Lula' introduced his Zero Hunger campaign that Nestle were very quick to invest money in the 'breastmilk centre' and provide the 1.5m units of 'special milks' Don't even get me started on the chapter about Guatemala

don't think i can make it but book arrived yesterday and i hope to re-read and think of a question

Gabrielle, is there one, discrete action you'd like to see the UK government undertake to improve breastfeeding rates here? What do you think of the Department of Health's current efforts to improve breastfeeding initiation and retention rates?

Excellent question thisisyesterday, it enfuriates me that people think bf and ff are pretty much equal in 'developed' countries. And it depresses me too!

Will try and think of a question for Gabrielle, am star struck delighted she's coming.

Gabrielle, I'm thrilled to virtually meet you.
I'd like to know what you think the NHS's priorities should be with regard to breastfeeding? Should they be concentrating on upping initiation rates or supporting women so they don't stop feeding before they'd choose to? And how?

The title makes me think that I am maybe influencing my childs political future depending on whether I feed more from the left or right breast .

I don't know if I will phrase this one properly but here goes.

I wonder how you think your book and some of its themes relate to the topics of Land Tenure Rights, Land Management (in the Developing World) and Food Security. How also do its the ideas relate to the developed world in the topics of food security and Food Policy.

I kept thinking of the book 'Fast Food Nation' when I was reading TPOB. That book should be a must read for all A-Level students, tied with yours of course.

I was very pleased to meet and talk to you at the ABM Conference this year. You may remember me as they one with the 8 month old in a wrap sling. I asked you a question about breastfeeding and Cuba.

Thanks for coming on Mumsnet.

No intelligent questions but think it's fantastic you have her coming on. Welcome to MN Gabrielle!

thisisyesterday i periodically link to this study (then get flamed )here "Breastfeeding and Maternal and Infant Health Outcomes in Developed Countries" produced by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, US Department for Health.

(also star struck thinking about "meeting" GP!!)

My main question is how do i stop myself getting too angry and upset when reading your book so i can finally finish it?

See, this is why I should have prioritised getting the book, I kept putting it off! [headdesk]

Will still be here on Friday!