Just to mention that there is the possiblity of email support for 
breastfeeding.  I don't know what is done in other countries, but I know 
that here in the UK all four of the mother support breastfeeding 
organisations provide some form of support. 

For example, I know what we have done in The Breastfeeding Network.  Up to 
2004 emails that strayed in to us via our website were answered in a rather 
ad hoc fashion.  In 2004 I took on the job of answering all of the support 
emails, except for ones which were medication queries, which went to a 
supporter who is also a pharmacist, who specialises in this sort of support. 

After doing all of the emails we got for 10 months or so, I developed some 
protocols and a team was formed.  This has continued to the present.  I have 
had times of being on the team again (such as the present) and times off. 

Part of the standard for most emails is to offer the urls of all four mother 
support groups and the national telephone helpline number for the UK, as 
well as websites which list local support groups.  In most cases, I would 
suggest to a mother that she seek a group or individual support in person or 
on the phone. 

However, some mothers feel more comfortable without that contact, and 
offering support by email is at least offering them something.  I use cut 
and paste for websites and lists of support organisations, but every email 
is individually written and tailored to the mother (or family member) who 
sent the query.  Indeed, in a 'conversation' where you get no cues as to 
whether an approach is ringing bells with the mother or not, and where you 
can ask questions, but are not likely to enter into dialogue, there is a 
huge art to covering all things you think might be useful without 
overwhelming the woman. 

When we began email support the thought was that it could be a way for newly 
qualified people to get some experience.  Over the year I was intensely 
involved and thinking about this, I came to the conclusion that it is 
actually a harder task than face to face or telephone support. 

I know this is not exactly what Rachel was talking about, but I thought it 
was worth mentioning.  I don't think I have ever seen others working by 
email (not as an adjunct to other practice, but as first, maybe only, point 
of contact) discuss their practice here on lactnet.  Surely you are out 
there? 

Magda Sachs
Breastfeeding Supporter
The Breastfeeding Network, UK

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