I don't really have any good suggestions for you, Sarah, except to
say that whatever you say, I'm sure you will be sensitive and allow
these women to 'own' their responses and let them know you believe
they are genuine.

There is not a great deal in the literature on women's reactions to
seeing bf but the Hoddinott study (BMJ 1999; 318: 30-34 - Qualitative
study of decisions about infant feeding among women in east end of
London) found that women may react negatively and decide not to bf if
they see bf done by a stranger, especially if other people are
present.  That is a terrible shame, as *seeing* bf done normalises
it, and at the same time as turning people off, it could be important
in turning others on to bf.....especially as the same study shows
that women who have regularly seen a friend or family member bf
successfully are positive towards bf.

So, the research indicates these women are not alone or unusual -
maybe you can distance yourself from making an emotive response to
these women's views by sort of highlighting this, Sarah.

Heather Welford Neil
NCT bfc Newcastle upon Tyne UK

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