I have never personally experienced this (unless it was without my
knowledge) as a LLL Leader, but our group has taken a couple steps to
promote a good relationship between the 2 local hospitals and LLL.
1.  I gave a 20 minute spiel about "what is LLL" at a nurses staff meeting
(a former Leader and nurse encouraged the head nurse to do this).  I brought
along sample resources (i.e.Breastfeeding Answer Book, Leaven-journal for
LLL Leaders)and they were surprised that we had so much info.
2.  When one of our local hospitals lost all funding for any LC services
(although they do provide a "pets and your newborn" class - oops, that was
uncalled for) they started referring moms to our group to compensate.
3.  Something in my "good idea to try" file - send them a specific
invitation to a meeting - maybe not a "regular" meeting, but invite some of
the veteran moms who would volunteer to participate to give the nurse(s) an
idea of what goes on.

Sometimes people have negative opinions of groups, whether LLL or otherwise,
based on a single comment/experience they had.  It is unfortunate, but I
have to believe that a kinder, gentler, introduction to LLL might plant a
more positive seed.  When I was in my first birthing class, the instructor
(who did attend LLL meetings) said we might want to go for breastfeeding
support, but to keep in mind that they are "the people who breastfeed babies
with teeth".  As a new mom-to-be I took that to mean that it was weird to bf
a baby with teeth.  Well - my kids sure showed me wrong on that!

Sara Demmon
LLLL in Plymouth Wisconsin

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