Dear Friends-- The discussion seems to have moved on, but I have been thinking about the question of the "best" profession for influencing breastfeeding. In my experience, there are people in every walk of life who influence the decision to breastfeed. It depends on the person as much as on the profession. It may be an OB, it may be an LC, it may be a childbirth instructor or a neonatologist, but it doesn't even have to be someone who devotes their career to childbearing and baby care. The key is that they support breastfeeding in a way that rings true to the people who hear them. For example, my husband, a professor of law and economics, has mentored dozens of younger fathers. Because they know and like him in another context, they believe him when he tells them how great it will be to have their children breastfed for years, not months. He is much more likely than I am to tell people how long our children actually nursed. His consulting practice is made up of a group of fathers whose kids (all younger than our oldest) have been breastfed for very long time.Steve's support and example are a big part of the reason why. This consulting group has also turned down opportunities to work for formula companies. Turning down work is rare in any profession and male economists are not known for putting principles before profit. It is great to see guys who are so deeply affected by their experience as parents in breastfeeding families. No one would say "if you want to really support breastfeeding, go into antitrust economics" but if a person can influence the decision to breastfeed from a position like that, they can do it from anywhere. THere is no one "best" profession. What people need is support EVERYWHERE--at work, in stores, in restaurants, in school, at church or synagogue or mosque, and from all be people they look up to and trust in every walk of life. Until both mothers and fathers have that support in enough parts of their lives, a supportive neonatologist or pediatrician or OB or LC or childbirth instructor or midwife is spitting in the wind. THe "best" profession is probably one where a person mentors or influences the most people. Imagine the positive impact a breastfeeding First Lady (or President) could have! Warmly-- Judy Gelman Washington, DC *********************************************** The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(TM) mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to: http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html