Laurie, the adoptive mother tried to email you and the message came back. Vonda gave me permission to post here and give you her email address so that you could try to contact her. I thought I read the other day where someone was having problems with juno? Anyway, email Vonda at: [log in to unmask] On babies at conferences: The issue is not prohibiting breastfed babies at conferences; in fact, I don't think anyone has suggested banning breastfeeding babies from breastfeeding conferences. The issue is how to meet the needs of all conference attendees -- those with and without babies/children -- for current, accurate information about breastfeeding. We all know that breastfeeding babies can be excellent visual aids at a breastfeeding conference. We also know that crying or loudly happy babies can be negative visual aids at breastfeeding conferences--that's a commentary on US, not on the babies. In other words, it's our reaction to the babies that is the issue. The babies are neither consulted, nor do they get to choose whether to go to the conferences. Some adult makes an arbitrary decision about where the baby goes and when; and other adults make arbitrary decisions about whether they feel the baby is welcome or not wherever s/he is. Our enigma is how to present breastfeeding information -- with babies present -- in such a way that both the information presented and the presence of the babies gains acceptance and credibility. I agree with the posters who have brought up the subject of the babies' needs being met, or not met. Perhaps we need to be more straightforward in our instructions to conference participants. Bluntly ask mothers whose babies are crying (or very loudly happy) to step outside the room until the babies are quiet, then return. Just as bluntly state to people who did not bring babies that they please respect the unique opportunity they have at this conference to actually see correct positioning and latch, learn about alternative breastfeeding positions, hear the correct suck/swallow sequence, and talk with actual breastfeeding mothers about what they expect/need from breastfeeding counselors/health care providers. Ask that both parties respect the needs of each and that both parties assist each other in meeting the needs of both parties and in learning from one another. Sorry, I got long-winded. Keitha :)