We read with interest the article on Attachment Parenting in the March 11 edition of The Pantagraph ("Full-contact parenting," Page D1). In general, it was a well balanced presentation of an increasingly popular and successful child-rearing method.

There was one error in the article that needs correcting. In the article it was stated that "The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends introducing whole cow's milk between the age of 1 and 2 years of age to get dietary fats needed for development." The AAP Policy Statement on "Breastfeeding and the Use of Human Milk" (February 2005) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for six months with the gradual introduction of complementary foods after six months.

It further states that all children should be breastfed a minimum of one year and as long thereafter as both mother and child desire, and that "there is no upper limit to the duration of breastfeeding."

The World Health Organization recommends breastfeeding for at least two years, for all children and not just those in underdeveloped areas of the world.

Nowhere does either authority recommend the introduction of cow's milk. Although cow's milk and other dairy products are a valuable addition to many people's diets, it is not necessary for everyone and actively makes large populations of the world ill.

Again, we thank The Pantagraph for the introduction of a timely subject.

Karen Shinville and Lucinda Edgren-Gebhardt

Both of Bloomington

The writers are certified lactation consultants.