Breastfeeding saved their lives

I'm sure most of you have heard the heartbreaking story of the Kim family by now. San Francisco residents James and Kati Kim and their daughters Penelope, 4, and Sabine, 7 months, took a wrong turn down an old mining road during a family vacation in Oregon. After their car got stuck in the snow, James set out in search of help, leaving Kati and the girls in the car. Sadly, James passed away from exposure, but the rest of the family was rescued.

Kati released a statement saying that she breastfed her two daughters during their ordeal, providing them with the nourishment that ultimately saved their lives. She wants the world to know exactly how beneficial and life-saving breastfeeding relationships can be. As a result, I'm posting this here so we all keep in mind what an awesome thing breastfeeding really is. :)

Comments: 8

Angie G. Dec 10, 2006, 5:14pm UTC

I heard about this. It happened not too far from my mom's house. What an amazing story this was of a mothers courage and determination to save her childrens lives. She used smart thinking and it truly turned out be a life saver.

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Michael Platt Dec 10, 2006, 5:25pm UTC

Good idea, Sherry! It is a shame that such a naturally beautiful, life-giving act is not given more positive reaction. My own life was saved by breast-feeding in my first week after being born. I was in the hospital and newborns were mysteriously dying. My mother and I were there for a couple days after this started happening (this was 1950 when an extended stay was normal and expected) and I was actually the last baby to leave alive. The hospital eventually discovered that it was the formula that babies were being given (another common practice that is, unfortunately, still promoted by the formula manufacturers) and I had been strictly breast-fed. A scary look back for me! Thanks for you efforts!

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Sandra L. Dec 10, 2006, 5:42pm UTC

This is a tragic story. I am glad that she was able to keep her children alive, but I am sad about the father.

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Susan *. Dec 10, 2006, 6:25pm UTC

This is a story of a smart woman and compassionate woman! She used her heart and her head to save her children and should be commended for her courage! Bravo!

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Stephanie, proud Maw-Maw to my 2 granddaughters, G Dec 10, 2006, 9:47pm UTC

Breast feeding is the only food that my children got for the first four months. The last two kids were breast fed, I pumped my milk, until they were almost 2 due to severe allergic reactions and primary immune deficiency syndrome.

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Tricia C. Dec 10, 2006, 10:07pm UTC

Wow Michael.. that is a miraculous story... im glad your mom BF you..

People in today's society think it is just a gross thing to BF and they forget about what those things are truly for.... they are for the baby and carry the best nourishment possible in any situation to make the baby survive... Even hurricane Katrina victims should have been told to start nursing those babies to get the milk flowing... it is better than letting them starve to death and putting your baby on tv and saying send formula.... get that momma working like she should be...

Thanks for posting this story...

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Sue W. Dec 10, 2006, 10:22pm UTC

My niece could not tolerate anything but breast milk and her mother could not produce it. I pumped for her for awhile until her tummy settled down. Her cousin, my son, has never had chicken pox although he has been exposed many times. I credit it to the fact that his siblings contracted it when he was 4 months old and breastfeeding.

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Breastfeeding saved their lives

Comments: 8

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