Guilt can be a great motivator.  Ask our mothers.  Now, in truth I do
understand that breastfeeding is so interconnected to our very feminine self that it
can hurt a woman deeply.  I buy all that. Don't agree that because it can hurt
we should protect her from the pain.  I see that as a coddling female psyche
behavior that is an insult to woman's intelligence and capabilities to
overcome guilt, make changes, move on, grow, learn, do more, do better, etc.  I see
hiding the truth, protecting her innocent conscience for having to face reality
of her choices as treating her as a lesser than being who is not strong
enough to face those truths.  I dislike that attitude as much as others dislike the
attitude of inducing guilit.  I don't think we should purposely induce cruel
guilt by pointing out the choices and their results.  But, I do think we
should offer the information gently and with respect for her as a person so she can
make better choices next time.  Her babies have a right to her knowing what
she risks for them.  Her guilt is an issue, but it is outweighed by the health
of her baby.
We tell women the risks of smoking during pregnancy, and drinking during
pregnancy, and drug use during pregnancy.  Not all women listen.  Check out the
NICUs full of crack babies and see the FAS babies suffering.  But, we do not
stop telling everyone this is dangerous. Babies die.  This is not okay.  YOU MUST
NOT drink while pregnant, you must not smoke, you must not do drugs.  Heck,
if you do use the drugs we will take away your baby!  Guilt not used for
education?  Well, add some dose of fear to that guilt.

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