Barb, You question HCP's who haven't breastfed feeling unable to counsel 
breastfeeding mothers, and yet not having experienced something doesn't apply to 
other areas of healthcare. 

My immediate thought is that breastfeeding is a relationship, and an intimate 
one at that.  So it has deep rooted feelings attached to it, and  those 
who've never experienced it, may feel inadequate despite book learning and clinical 
practice.  Male HCP's, in my experience rely heavily on their wives 
breastfeeding experiences and this colors how they counsel breastfeeding mothers. 
Though there are likely exceptions, a marriage counselor whose never been married 
(another intense and intimate relationship) may also on some level feel 
inadequate in counseling married couples.  Breastfeeding is a life experience and not 
a medical entity at all.  Is it not said that experience is the best teacher? 
 Just mention to someone that you're a lactation specialist and note the 
person's response.  It is usually fraught with emotion; either in gushing tones 
about how wonderful it was, or discussed with sadness, anger, and defensiveness 
when breastfeeding didn't happen or was cut short for whatever reason.  People 
often have very intense feelings about breastfeeding and health care 
providers are no exception.

Barbara Latterner, BSN, RN, IBCLC


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