As a proud LLLL of many years, I'm so happy to receive the positive
comments from y'all.  Research has shown that support can make all of the
difference in a breastfeeding experience, and I  find this the most
rewarding part of my "job."

This seems to be the perfect time to run a question by you.  I've been
toying with the idea of an informal get together with the "LCs" (not sure
of IBCLC status) and nursing staff (at least those interested in attending)
of our hospital to talk about what we all do and how we might help each
other.

We live in a small US military base community with one hospital (captive
audience).  In the past, my coLeader and I received a lot of  calls from
the staff to handle situations that, IMO, the staff might have handled
themselves.  I don't mind offering suggestions or information or sharing
ideas...in fact, I feel flattered that I seem to receive so much respect.
And I love to share up-to-date, accurate references.  However, I'd like to
meet face-to-face and talk about the mother-to-mother support role of a La
Leche League Leader. I see my role as a counselor, offering mothers
information and support.  I am interested in what they see their role as
and how I, as a Leader, can help.   In our shared goal of helping women
breastfeed, I think of us both as important parts of the whole.

So, any suggestions?  I'm not sure how to encourage them to attend (I'm
thinkin' chocolate--non-Nestle, of course--may be involved) and what kind
of ideas to share.  I want this to be a positive win-win for all of us with
the participants coming away understanding each other a little better.  I'm
checking out all of my LLL resources for ideas, too.

Thanks,
Gina Gile-Maves
LLL Leader
Misawa, Japan
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