Last year, I attended a fabulous presentation by Diane Wiessinger called “Watch Your Language” in which she explored the language used about breastfeeding, or by breastfeeding advocates. One of the points she made was that in talking about formula, we have more impact by actually calling it formula, rather than “ABM” or “artificial milk” or “human milk substitute” because that is the language that is recognized. Using a new word, even if it is better matched for the situation, moves you to the “fringe” and makes you seem less credible–she used the example of how effective would it be for the American Lung Association to insist on re-naming cigarettes “cancer sticks” in all their literature and campaigns.

Back to birth, “normal birth” is another one that has certain clarity issues.

Best wishes,

Molly

A. Gotin