I too saw An Inconvenient Truth, and I think it is right on target to 
compare the issue of global warming to that of breastfeeding. Ever since I 
saw the movie, I feel guilty if I forget to turn out the lights, put on 
the AC, take a car instead of public transportation. I feel guilty because 
I'm ashamed that I didn't do the beneficial action - and it was in my 
control to do so. I also feel angry and sad about what is happening to the 
planet that is out of my control.

I think guilt in re breastfeeding is ultimately a good sign, because it 
shows an awareness of what the right action is, and a sense of shame that 
one has chosen not to do it. I'm not sure whether it matters that public 
awareness campaigns are framed in terms of risks rather than benefits - 
the one always implies the other. I think we need to focus on the women 
who are feeling angry and sad, because breastfeeding is, for some reason, 
out of reach for them, due to things they can't control. How do we change 
things in our society, access to LC's, improvement in workplace supports, 
paid maternity leave etc. that will allow the women who want to breastfeed 
to do so? If we can change society for the women who are feeling powerless 
to do what they long to do, breastfeeding will become more and more the 
accepted norm (like not smoking). As breastfeeding becomes established, 
more women and more women will follow suit, and we will have less guilt - 
though I believe there might always be those who opt for formula and who 
run their dishwashers with two dishes in them. We can aim for building a 
perfect society, but we will never be able to fill it with perfect people!

I loved the credits of An Inconvenient Truth, where very practical 
suggetions are offered in terms of how one person can make a difference. I 
think as LC's we try daily to make a difference, and I love this part of 
my job.
Kathy Lilleskov - in an inexplicably optimistic mood (considering the heat 
in NYC)

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