I read the comments too (I should know better, sigh) and commented to my
husband that I had no idea where people were encountering these anti-formula
and mean LLL Leaders. I've been widely involved in LLL for more than a
decade and I have NEVER known of a situation where a Leader was unsupportive
of a mother who was using formula, or advocated for only breastfeeding when
the baby or the bfdg was questionable.

I HAVE supported many mothers using formula for many reasons.  I HAVE had
mothers continue to come to the group I lead with even after their babies
were weaned, because they enjoyed it so much.  I HAVE had mothers of
nearly-exclusively formula-fed infants become regular attendees.  Clearly
they felt accepted and not judged.

I bend over backwards to make sure that all women *interested* in
breastfeeding are warmly welcomed.  They do not have to *actually* be
breastfeeding -- just interested!

And I know that LLLLs everywhere share this approach because this is what we
sign up for and how we are trained.

This is not to say there aren't rogue LLLLs out there -- there surely are.
But it's hard to read comments like the ones on this article where bad
stories crop up again and again, and believe that they're for real.  I think
there must be a lot of urban legend in this.  How do you combat an urban
legend?

Margaret
who *has* been on earth as long as Pat has been a Leader -- but barely!
LLLL, IBCLC
Longmont, CO

On Sat, Dec 11, 2010 at 5:14 AM, Pat Young <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

> I read thru the comments and was appalled at how LLLLeaders come across.
>  Scarey, really.  I don't know or have ever known about any Leaders like
> that.  Is it the mom's emotional state when BF fails and she has to blame
> someone?  So sad.  I have personally walked into kitchens and made bottles
> for babies who need to be fed NOW.
> Maybe we need to spread the message about 1. Feed the baby, 2. Preserve the
> milk supply, 3. Get help more broadly thru LLL.  Pat (who has been a leader
> longer than most of you have been on earth :-)  1967!
>
>

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