Dear Friends--

The discussion seems to have moved on, but I have been thinking about
the question of the "best" profession for influencing breastfeeding.  In
my experience, there are people in every walk of life who influence the
decision to breastfeed.  It depends on the person as much as on the
profession.  It may be an OB, it may be an LC, it may be a childbirth
instructor or a neonatologist, but it doesn't even have to be someone
who devotes their career to childbearing and baby care. The key is that
they support breastfeeding in a way that rings true to the people who
hear them.

For example, my husband, a professor of law and economics, has mentored
dozens of younger fathers.  Because they know and like him in another
context, they believe him when he tells them how great it will be to
have their children breastfed for years, not months.  He is much more
likely than I am to tell people how long our children actually nursed.
His consulting practice is made up of a group of fathers whose kids (all
younger than our oldest) have been breastfed for very long time.Steve's
support and example are a big part of the  reason why. This consulting
group has also turned down opportunities to work for formula companies.
Turning down work is rare in any profession and male economists are not
known for putting principles before profit. It is great to see guys who
are  so deeply affected by their experience as parents in breastfeeding
families.

No one would say "if you want to really support breastfeeding, go into
antitrust economics"  but if a person can influence the decision to
breastfeed from a position like that, they can do it from anywhere.
THere is no one "best" profession.  What people need is support
EVERYWHERE--at work, in stores, in restaurants, in school, at church or
synagogue or mosque, and from all be people they look up to and trust in
every walk of life.  Until both mothers and fathers have that support in
enough parts of their lives, a supportive neonatologist or pediatrician
or OB or LC or childbirth instructor or midwife is spitting in the
wind.  THe "best" profession is probably one where a person mentors or
influences the most people. Imagine the positive impact a breastfeeding
First Lady (or President) could have!

Warmly--
Judy Gelman
Washington, DC

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