Great to see so many of you out there doing this work! Helen, your post reminded me that back when I was an NCT breastfeeding counsellor I did letter support -- looking back I *hand-wrote* the letters (having no computer in those days) and I seem to recall sending women to their local library looking for suggested books.... Obviously transferable skills for email support, but boy, oh boy, does thinking about that make me realise how different our supporting practice is in some ways. I like working by email for the mirror of some of the reasons Rachel mentioned -- you don't get the emotional responsibility in quite the same way as when you have spoken to someone. When you are busier or when your own life is full of emotional responsibilities this is actually a refreshing change. And the signposting of people to good internet information is a challenge and a pleasure. I have thought that email support would be a great topic for a research study -- I see some of my own thoughts about why women would choose it echoed in some of the recent posts. As far as I know this is something not researched, so that is my thought for those of you looking for a project for your masters or doctoral research!! Look forwrad to seeing in print. All the electronic best for the end of the year, Magda Sachs Registered Breastfeeding Supporter *********************************************** Archives: http://community.lsoft.com/archives/LACTNET.html To reach list owners: [log in to unmask] Mail all list management commands to: [log in to unmask] COMMANDS: 1. To temporarily stop your subscription write in the body of an email: set lactnet nomail 2. To start it again: set lactnet mail 3. To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet 4. To get a comprehensive list of rules and directions: get lactnet welcome