Dear Fellow Lactneters, I not feel that sticks ever really work. Mothers need to feel the desire to change their behavior and then know what they might try to get the outcome they desire. Sticks, threats, shaming, create distance between the care giver and the client AND dis-empower the client. I truly believe that the mothers want to do what is best for their babies. I believe mothers and babies should always be treated with kindness and respect. I have been using Motivational Interviewing (MI) with my clients for about 4 years. This method (philosophy?) incorporates both of these things. For those of you that have a LLL background like myself, MI is our communication skills on steroids. What I have found using this method is my clients trust me, listen to me, help create plans with me that will move themselves forward, and are in general very successful. I am no miracle worker but these mothers will call me prenatally for their next baby even if they didn't reach their final breatfeeding goals. So they felt cared for by me which I think is crucial. When we tell someone what they are doing is wrong they tend to dig in their heals and feel the need to defend their position. I am hoping more health care workers will start to use MI. I think they will find great success. It is also easier and more fun to use then telling people what to do! Warmly, -- Barbara Robertson, MA, IBCLC, RLC The Breastfeeding Center of Ann Arbor bfcaa.com *********************************************** Archives: http://community.lsoft.com/archives/LACTNET.html To reach list owners: [log in to unmask] Mail all list management commands to: [log in to unmask] COMMANDS: 1. To temporarily stop your subscription write in the body of an email: set lactnet nomail 2. To start it again: set lactnet mail 3. To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet 4. To get a comprehensive list of rules and directions: get lactnet welcome