Hi all,

Felicia writes: So I guess the real question would be - Is it worth it?


Yes yes and yes. It is worth it to me because of the feeling of
"connection" that happens when you are working with a mother who is
having challenges.

Its worth it in a lot of ways. Probably not enough (from a financial
point of view) to buy me a Mercedes, but others have made it to be
financially viable. (Check out Coach Smith's book, "The Lactation
Consultant in Private Practice The ABCs of getting started".)  It is
worth it to each mother who you help.

Are there times when we feel like ARRRRRRRRGH about issues with the
system or other professionals? Yes. But instead of focusing on the red
aching golf ball on our temples that head on wall banging gives us, we
can turn to other options.

We can turn to our colleagues to let off steam, and to ask- How would
you handle this? We can learn more about effective communication.
(Separating the people from the problem, focusing on the issue, not the
people involved) We can learn more about breastfeeding (Do these
suggestions make sense? What does the research say? How well can I back
up my opinion, or ask relevant questions about another's assumptions?)

A book I read on "effective presentations" stated that the keys to
connecting with your audience are:
-You need to feel passionately about, steadfastly believe in your topic
-You need to know your topic well (do your homework)
-You need to know the group you are addressing.

I think we can say the same is true of being an effective LC- We have to
believe in it, know our p's and q's (forgive the US idiom- I mean to say
know your topic well) and we have to know how to share our information
appropriately.

Yes there are days when we each think- Why is it that I do this? But
there are many other days, many more days when we feel- yes I am proud
to be a part of this and serving mothers and babies.

Just my thoughts,

Aileen Emerling, IBCLC
Tokyo Japan

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