Breastfed Baby Dies on Chicago Hope
The fact that these top organizations have pulled together to help educate women on the signs of plentiful milk is quite impressive. Because the complete details of the episode are not clear, the VNR won't take a direct stance against the show. In fact, LLLI's press release reflects a neutral tone, emphasizing how to make sure baby is getting enough milk.
So, as you watch Chicago Hope's "The Breast and the Brightest" on Wednesday night, keep these things in mind:
- Breastfeeding requires proper management by the parents. If help or education is needed, it is available through many areas, especially through your local La Leche League group, a lactation consultant in your area, your pediatrician and OB nurses.
- Dehydration can occur in a breastfed baby under six months of age. this is usually caused by inadequate milk intake. So giving water supplements is not necessary if the baby is getting plenty of breastmilk. The AAP states that healthy breastfed infants do not need supplements of other fluids because breastmilk provides everything a baby needs in the first six months.
- Breastfeeding can be well established and very beneficial even in low-income families. A mother who does not have economical resources is still perfectly capable of breastfeeding when she has proper support and the baby is getting regular medical check-ups.
You can request your local CBS affiliates air the 90-second VNR by writing a letter. A simple, short letter should be all that is needed. Here is an example of what you might say:
Dear [editor name here],
On Wednesday, Oct. 21, 1998, Chicago Hope will portray an infant's death, which is caused by not getting enough breastmilk. Although the exact details of the episode are not clear, five prestigious organizations have banded together to help educate parents on how to ensure their breastfed baby is getting enough milk. Medela, Well Start, La Leche League International, The International Lactation Consultants Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics have created a 90-second VNR on this topic. This VNR is available to your station via satellite. I encourage you to air this video immediately following Chicago Hope this Wednesday night.
Transmission Date: October 21, 1998
Transmission time: 2:30 PM EST
Coordinates:
C--Band
Satellite Galaxy 6
Transponder # 9
Standard Audio
I also hope you will consider using segments from the "B-roll," also made available to you via satellite, if you decide to do a story on this topic. The American Academy of Pediatrics released Breastfeeding Guidelines
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