We are professionals. People are supposed to PAY us for our advice. I give
it away only as a precious gift.

I don't give unsolicited advice. I make them solicit me first. 

It's not hard. It's called the hook.

For instance, you could make semi-mysterious yet startling pronouncements as
if they already know and agree, and pique their curiosity. 

YOU: "You're so lucky you'll get to breastfeed to protect your baby against
all this nasty RSV going around! Did you know the local high school has a
15% absence rate right now? Poor kids--they're really suffering." 

THEM: "Breastfeeding protects against illness? Really? You mean babies that
don't breastfeed suffer more?"

It's best to hook it to something you already know is their
concern--diabetes in the family? Obesity? Allergies? Someone sick? Cigarette
smokers? Breast cancer? If you don't know anything, get them started
talking--they'll give you the hook pretty soon.

But make them ASK for more information. That way it's their initiative,
their game, and their idea.  They are the artists of their own lives, and
you're just a tool. You can make yourself look like a really cool tool, so
handy, and privately (privately!) hope to get used.

Arly Helm, MS, IBCLC

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