Ah, an LC for every mom...I can see that as a good thing if the LC has the time to also offer the support a mother needs beyond the immediate solving of any problems she has. Of course, not all mothers will have problems. Maybe some areas don't need this sort of major support and help because they are not so lost in the art of birthing, breastfeeding and mothering that an expert needs to step in. But, in my area, I can see that it would be very nice indeed. I would take it a step further and suggest that every mother needs someone to come help her every day for a few hours a day as she learns how to do the things mothers do. We used to call those people our mothers, but for many in my area that is not a reality. And, sadly, most of the mothers who could and should be there filling that role did not breastfeed. I know my mom's idea of helping me was to suggest a crib, a bottle propping device and towel at the door crack so I could not hear my baby scream. Her biggest concern about my breastfeeding was that I would have to actually hold that baby to feed it! Can you imagine! Her comment was "you know Pam, if you are going to do that you will have to hold that baby every time you feed it!" Haha. Guess we know the source of all my psychological issues....a lack of human contact during feedings. Haha. Lucky for my babies I did not listen. Maybe for this one generation we will need to provide intense support and help, but then the next generation will have their mothers! From a realistic point of view in terms of government funding and intervention I would like to see that every single health care provider at any level who may come in contact with a breastfeeding dyad be expected to have at least the knowledge of who to ask before they make a statement about weaning or offer breastfeeding information that is going to harm the breastfeeding. I like the suggestion of the WHO 18 hr. course another posted offered. I would like breastfeeding to be the beginning of do no harm. That we would not more consider interfering with breastfeeding then we would interfere with normal breathing. Taking a training that taught to refer, to recognize a problem and send for appropriate help in breastfeeding management would go a long way to success. So many times a mom comes to me through a friend or online searching when her pediatrician really should have referred her to a community lactation consultant. In our area there are many to choose from and yes, I think they know that the hospitals have lactation consultants. When a baby is not gaining well the first response is supplement, and I won't argue the quick fix that provides, but along with the recommendation to use formula needs to be the referral to a professional to help find out why the need in the first place. I also know this varies because not all areas have lactation consultants available for services. Of course, in the USA, even if there are services available it is not always feasible as not all mothers can afford private services and few insurance companies reimburse or pay. Even for the hospital based outpatient services. This varies by state, but by and large there is not equal access to care for breastfeeding difficulties. We should also remember that peer support is not just the idea of some of our Lactnet members. It is the Tenth Step in Baby Friendly. Women need a support system if breastfeeding is going to work. There is research to support the importance of peer support for breastfeeding success and no need to make light of the importance since it has made it into a world's health view. For some that is their family and friends. Some women make it on their own for sure, but if they are in a community with no support, everyone thinking they are odd for not just being normal and giving a bottle, they are more likely to quit at the first problem. By being part of a community of peers that supports breastfeeding they are more likely to continue through any struggles and accept the help they need to work through concerns. Yes, the LC may make it happen, but it is the peer support that keeps it happening. One gives us initiation and the other duration. We need both. Take care, Pam MazzellaDiBosco, IBCLC, RLC PS Is there a new address for posting to Lactnet? It does not go through when I just hit reply, so I am using the address in my address book, but will that change? <BR><BR><BR>**************************************<BR> AOL now offers free email to everyone. Find out more about what's free from AOL at http://www.aol.com. *********************************************** 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 email list is powered by LISTSERV (R). There is only one LISTSERV. To learn more, visit: http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html