LETTERSTO THEEDITOR

Dear Bay State Parent,

With all due respect to Dr. Lindeman, and his article in the April issue of Bay State Parent, titled "Does Your Child Need a Pediatrician?"...the answer is a resounding

YES!

Pediatricians are the acknowledged experts on child health. They receive three full years of training specifically in the care of babies, children, and adolescents. While many family practitioners manage to do a fine job of caring for kids, they may receive as little as 3 months training in treating children. Children are not 'little adults'; they have different medical and emotional needs and deserve someone who is specialized in caring for their unique needs. Parents should seek out a board-certified pediatrician to care for their children, to ensure that they have completed an accredited residency and passed the national competency exams. While a disproportionate amount of all residencies may focus on the care of sick patients, pediatricians also spend significant time in training to learn about childhood growth and development, nutrition, behavior, and immunizations. And the experience of working in a general pediatric office affords even more time to learn about normal development and common parenting issues. Therefore, pediatricians are best equipped to advise parents about the issues facing healthy children, as well as to treat the more serious illnesses that can occur. Additionally, pediatric offices are attuned to the needs of children and their parents. Pediatricians' offices are usually very kid-friendly and user-friendly for new parents too. For example, the ability to get phone advice or a same-day appointment for a sick child is to be expected when dealing with a pediatric office.

Ian Sklaver, MD Garden City Pediatrics Beverly

Dear Bay State Parent,

After reading your article in the April edition regarding the state ban on hospital gift bags, I felt it was time I weighed in.

In short, I am a mom who breastfed my first son, now age 2, and I am currently breast feeeding my 4 month old as well. BUT, I also NEEDED, NOT CHOSE to supplement both of my sons with formula. When my first son was born, despite the help of lactation counseling at the hospital and at home, my son did not take to breastfeeding well, and thus my breasts could not be stimulated to bring in the milk. (Actually, that's one thing they never seem to tell you at the breastfeeding classes. That sometimes there are bigger issues than sore nipples that can hinder successful breastfeeding.) When my son developed jaundice, there was no choice but to feed him formula to push out the billirubin in his blood. Thankfully, I had some bottles from a nursing kit and samples of formula on hand. By following a schedule of attempting breastfeeding, formula feeding and pumping, I was in time able to produce adequate milk to only need formula as an occasional supplement. When my next son was born, initiating breastfeeding went better, but he still needed a little formula to keep him hydrated and to keep his weight from getting too low, until my milk was fully in.

Yes, breast milk is best for our babies, and yes, I think the bags are a form of marketing but there can be a happy medium. In a perfect world, every new mom could be sent home with a lactation consultant. But, if she is given a bag with enough formula to help her and her baby cope through the first few nights at home until help is available, what's the harm in that? In fact, it might help a few parents avoid the desperation that often will cause them to give up breastfeeding altogether. I think increasing breastfeeding education, including being honest about the pros AND CONS, is the answer rather than taking away the little helps every new mom can use.

Thanks for listening and for your wonderful, FREE, magazine.

Kathy LePain Holden

Parents, students, and staff from Touchstone Community Day celebrate the success of their Community Clean-up Day. Dear Bay State Parent,

There were more than half a dozen discarded tires, rusty tools, broken glass, cans, gum wrappers, and many, many cigarette butts. That's what students and parents from Touchstone Community School picked up from their neighborhood roadsides during the school's annual Community Clean-up Day on Saturday, April 29. Forty-one students and 29 parents spread out onto Old Grafton Road in Upton, Leland Street, and Moroney Road in Grafton, and parts of bordering Route 140 to pick up the refuse of daily traffic. The trash was gathered at the school, where it will be brought to appropriate transfer facilities by the Grafton Highway Department. Our students are concerned about the environment, and we want to do our part to keep the neighborhood clean. Students saw how even the smallest pieces of trash add up to a big mess.

Steven Danenberg Head of School Touchstone Community School Grafton

Dear Bay State Parent,

I received a copy of your magazine at the Baby Expo in Boston. I love it! But, help, I can't find it anywhere in my area. Can you recommend a few locations in Acton, Boxboro, or Concord?

Y. Lee Acton

Editor's Note: I'm glad you love our magazine. You should be able to find us at the Discovery Museums in Acton, at the Boxboro library, the Boxboro Children's Center, and at the Fowler Library and Thoreau Club in Concord. Please e-mail me if you still can't find us or if you know of a great family location in our area that should distribute us. You also have the option of purchasing a home subscription at $24 a year, $2 per month to cover postage. To order, send a check to Bay State Parent, c/o home subscription, 800 Main Street, Holden, MA 01520.

Dear Bay State Parent,

I just picked up my first copy of your magazine (May issue) and was somewhat taken aback by the "sultry" cover photo of a 10-year-old girl. I'm sure this wasn't the intention of your magazine, but just thought I'd share my initial thoughts.

Stephanie Sloane Needham

Dear Bay State Parent,

I live in Norwood and have just fallen in love with your magazine. A friend picked up a copy for me, as I'm constantly complaining I don't know what to do with my 2-year-old son and where I can meet other moms in the area. (My friend works and I'm new to the area and I am a SAHM.) Yet, I can't find your magazine anywhere in my area. How can I get a copy of your magazine?

Missy Shea Norwood

Editor's Note: Although the magazine is celebrating its 10th birthday, we just started circulating in your area, in the last year. A great place for your 2-year-old son to play & grow and for you to meet other moms is the Children's Museum in Easton. The popular family museum also distributes Bay State Parent magazine. Another option is to read us online at www.baystateparent.com