Dear fellow breastfeeding care providers (bcp's)

I've followed this thread with interest and sometimes with some uneasy
feelings. I think that any bcp should be, as any health care provider should,
very carefull in the relationship to any patient or client, both physical and
emotional. I do not think that it is the gender that is the issue, but the
way one human being treats another, in other words: reespect is what it's
about. Any hcp or bcp that is unthoughtfull or uncaring or plain rough in
handling or wording is harming the person that seeks help. A female can touch
breasts in very invading manners and a male can touch a woman's breast as
easy and non-attacking as any other bodypart, like fingers or feet. Females
can touch other woman's breast in a sexual way as well as males can and males
can touch other males in erotic ways as well.
When I need to touch mom or baby I always ask mom's permission and explain
what I plan to do and for what reason, thus showing respect and care for her
physical and emotional wellbeing. Perhaps in a society where suing is a real
hazard of any medical or semi medical profession, chaperonning may be needed
for the future safety of the provider, but even then it should be in all
cases regardless of the gender of caretaker and patient.

Warmly greeting,

Gonneke
==================
Gonneke van Veldhuizen  =+=  IBCLC, LLLL, MOM  =+=  primairy school teacher

EUROLAC
breastfeeding information centre and lactation consultant practice
http://www.users.skynet.be/eurolac

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