Thanks, Magda, for your message: "We should remember that without different viewpoints we risk creating a hegemonic definition of what breastfeeding is and what breastfeeding support is, and seeking to enforce these on all of the women we can reach. How would that be helpful?" I was just caught off-guard the other day when I suggested that child care workers be taught basic breastfeeding information - so that instead of stressing a working mother by saying "you're not bringing enough milk" she would be supported, given some suggestions about ways to increase her milk supply and referred when these did not work". "I would REALLY NOT WANT THEM to be giving breastfeeding advice to mothers", I was told. This is so much out of my philosophy as to make me feel that a gauntlet was thrown on the floor in front of me and it took all my self-control to not lead the discussion in this direction - something that would have been totally inappropriate given the venue. 1. I believe that EVERYONE in contact with a mother who has CORRECT breastfeeding information instead of myths is a PLUS - no matter their education or profession. 2. I believe child care workers, and janitors, and clerks in the store are ALREADY giving mothers breastfeeding "advice" - if I can find a way to provide them with education to have them offer CORRECT advice/information/resources - I believe it can only be for the better! 3. I, and many of the moms I know, never needed "professional interventions" - but I DID need a LOT of hand-holding, talking, support, etc. In order to create the "breastfeeding supportive community" NON-professionals will also need to be targeted - employers, restaurant workers, clerks in the stores! Now Magda brought up a point - that there are different philosophies in the breastfeeding community - and some of us really straddle it. I am a Public Health Nurse, I must visit mothers and I DO use scales - I see babies that I truly believe should have still been in the hospital - but I also am a La Leche League Leader and encourage mothers to come the the group meetings (as you all know that is NOT of "financial benefit" to me!). Just like when we follow-up another IBCLC, I ask that we listen to each other carefully and find the "seeds of truth" that exist in every message given. Remember that those who participate in this list have a passion, knowledge and experience that no one else has - and has valuable points to offer. At times, in trying to keep our messages short (and BOY I've gone past my limit today), and also often (THANKS FOR DOING THIS) not in the author's mother-tongue, the message may not give all the nuances and information to totally provide the background of what the writer had seen and experienced. Let's clarify/discuss - but NOT "throw down the gauntlet" which may lead to no more discussions - and no additional learning - for any of us! Jeanette Panchula, BSW, RN, PHN, IBCLC California, USA *********************************************** To temporarily stop your subscription: set lactnet nomail To start it again: set lactnet mail (or digest) To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet All commands go to [log in to unmask] The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(R) mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to: http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html