Dear Kathy, I agree that personal stories can be very helpful when used appropriately - I have done it myself and think that it enhanced the counselling sessions. It's all a matter of how and why the information is presented. Correctly done, it can help to reassure a new mother facing new challenges/choices and trying to sort through conflicting information. Done badly, it can leave a mother feeling even more insecure, intimidated or unnecesarily guilty (yes, I think there can be unfounded guilt, especially in the emotionally distraught mother with a limited base of knowledge). I still believe that good counselling skills are just as important as a solid knowledge/skill foundation when it comes to being a good lactation consultant. Warmly, Sharon Knorr, BSMT, LLLL, IBCLC in Newark, New York (near Rochester) USA mailto:[log in to unmask] ___________________________________________________________________ You don't need to buy Internet access to use free Internet e-mail. Get completely free e-mail from Juno at http://www.juno.com/getjuno.html or call Juno at (800) 654-JUNO [654-5866]