Dear JoAnn, The neonatologists and nurses at our local hospital's NICU believe strongly in the value of a mother's milk for her premature baby, but there is a seemingly impenetrable barrier concerning the issue of bottles before breastfeeding. The hospital refers many mothers to me for pump rentals and I find it very difficult to empower these mothers. They are in such a vulnerable position. Their babies would not have survived in the natural course of things, so they have accepted the need for intervention. Those who have saved their babies' lives are authority figures and parents are beholden to them. I want to tell these mothers the truth, but I realize that they may reject what I say or be powerless to act upon it. I focus on giving the mother facts rather than opinions (she will form her own) and on telling her what I can do to help her. I am often angry that the fear of antagonising makes ME powerless. What suggestions do others have for educating those who should know better?