I have to admit I'm sorry it is a Similac ad, but I think the message is very important.  What you say and how you say it can be very hurtful.  In promoting and supporting breastfeeding it is not necessary to consider formula "the enemy" - I usually teach it is a "crutch" or a "wheelchair" and at times totally appropriate.

I also teach what Linda Smith often said: The Mother Is Right.  When I taught this in Costa Rica, it caused all sorts of stirs at first - but after hearing it in different contexts (mom was abused, mom is dealing with a violent partner, mom has to leave her baby to be deployed or to work in the fields, mom is frightened of mothering in general), they finally "got it".  We are here to help a mother achieve her goals - not ours.  We cannot change their lives...but we can support them to find their own way - and some surpass their own expectations - but WE didn't do it - THEY did!

There's also the "WIC staff/Peer Counselor staff" wars, as well!    Just as there are the LVN vs RN wars, the CLE/IBCLC, etc.  Why do we not realize that people have their own moccasins to walk in, and we need to spend a lot more time learning what their barriers are (Open Ended Questions) and validating their feelings before we even BEGIN to provide education (not opinions!).  

Still, I am very demoralized right now, but not in these terms - just spent a day being told over and over again that as a "white" IBCLC (I'm actually Hispanic/Puerto Rican but look white) I cannot possibly help black/African American mothers!   Feeling very sad....

Jeanette Panchula, BSW, RN, PHN, IBCLC
Vacaville, CA

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