Karen Gromada <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

[EPing]

 > But it isn't "breastfeeding" and I think it does need to be  
distinguished
 > from breastfeeding --

In a consultation between woman and lactation consultant, of course it  
needs to be distinguished. In social situations and random small-talk  
encounters, however? I considered it to be none of anyone else's  
business, when I was doing it. I considered that no-one else had a  
right to know all about what I was doing with my breasts; it was my  
decision whether and when I disclosed. Here in Australia, I've often  
heard the question phrased, "Are you feeding him yourself?" Where the  
detailed answer wasn't relevant and I didn't feel like a long chat  
about the ins and outs, I simply answered "Yes". My breasts, my milk,  
my baby, my business, my privacy.

I am receiving the impression that _some_ of the anecdotes I've seen  
here in the past are brief encounters where the storytellers felt  
miffed that EPing mothers responded to intrusive questioning by saying  
that they were "breastfeeding" - so what?

While there are (a very few) valid situations where the distinction  
needs to be made, I sometimes get the impression that there is a bit  
of territoriality that can be involved - a little bit of "how _dare_  
she say she is breastfeeding!" sneaking in.  I think this sort of  
personal judgement is an attitude to be guarded against, as I don't  
think it is productive. I am not specifically pointing the finger;  
this is a general impression.

Lara Hopkins

             ***********************************************

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