Susan,
I think you should enjoy the gift.  It was not coerced in any way, and
is an expression of the mother's gratitude for your help.  It will hurt
her feelings if you do not accept it.  You can certainly share it with
the other LC's if you wish.

I have received perfume, chocolates, knick-knacks, bottles of wine, and
even a gold and amethyst ring from clients over the past 10 years.  Many
of the gifts were presented by fathers returning breastpumps after the
breastfeeding difficulties were resolved.  A few arrived in the mail,
like yours.  Since my clients are multinational (I live in the most
ethnically diverse community in the world - Queens county, New York
City), many of them were imported gourmet treats.

I usually say "thank you, you didn't have to do this, how lovely (or
delicious)!" and accept the gift with a big smile. Since the gifts are
given after the "therapeutic relationship" is over, there is no conflict
of interest or attempt to coerce greater attention possible.
--
Catherine Watson Genna, IBCLC  New York City  mailto:[log in to unmask]

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