As a lactation consultant, I see my primary function as one of educating both
clients and other healtch care professionals (who may spend their time
reading the journals of their own profession rather than breastfeeding
journals).  I have often thought about recommending Lactnet to professionals
who are really interested in helping moms breastfeeding, but who have a
minimum knowledge base.  However, I am afraid that some of them would be
angered and turned away by some of our discussions.

When I see comments belittling doctors, hospitals, etc., I cannot help but
think about people who truly want to help breastfeeding moms and babies, but
who recommend less than optimal or even harmful courses of action because
they have been misinformed.  If I were to recommend Lactnet to such a person
and then he or she read some Lactnetter blasting another caregiver for taking
the same course of action, it would probably do more harm than good to the
cause of breastfeeding.

I think we should also think about new subscribers when we use terms like
ABM, which is not commonly known in the medical community.  I know that it
took me some time to figure out IMO and IMHO (in my [humble] opinion).

Also, couldn't the long and heated debates over store advertising, library
displays, the role of the government in supporting breastfeeding, and the
latest booklet by a formula company be carried on on the Lactivist list, so
we can keep this list for learning from one another about breastfeeding
management?  (And why does it matter what an ILCA speaker wears?)

Just something to think about.

Bonnie in the western USA