Teriann writes of some of the Q & A's discussed in the
Ross booklet:

<<Although there is no perfect way to put these
questions, it looks to me like doubts are being
planted and this is not written with a "can-do!"
attitude.  There is a lot of good practical info to
give to moms of multiples in this booklet, it is a
shame that it is not written in a more positive
light.>>

I agree.  The wording in these sections seems to be
written "backwards" -- that is, the construction
emphasizes the unusual circumstance of mother's
failure to nourish her babies so that THAT is what the
reader hears first.  You have to look harder to hear
the info that breastfeeding should normally be
expected to work.

It's interesting though because Paula Meier has a
terrific track record with moms in real life, and I
have found her attitude in talks to be quite "can-do."
 (My hearing?!)  It's a reminder of how different our
words sound on paper, devoid of body inflection and
personal spirit.  I find it tortuously difficult to
discuss breastfeeding issues in writing.  What
concerns, prejudice, or prior experience does the
reader bring to the written word?  How is she reacting
between sentences?  The written word remains
hopelessly static.  Sometimes the best we can do when
writing is to try to "avoid trouble."  I suspect this
is the good intention of much writing we find wanting
in the positive attitude department.  On the flip
side, writers who emphasize normal expectations will
find themselves criticized for lack of attention to
zebras.

June posted recently on the issue of learning styles,
pointing out that we retain 10% of what we read.  This
led me to wonder about bf info that is difficult to
decipher and written in a cautious tone:  Which 10%
will the mother retain?

Teriann's comment on "can-do" attitudes is well-taken.
 That "can-do" would be the 10% I’d like mothers to
retain.

And, of course, no one questions whether a "can-do"
attitude is the first thing Ross looks for before
stamping its weighted name...


Susan Johnson  MFA, IBCLC
Salt Lake City, USA

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