I don't think you're talking about LLL, Rachel, because the very first part
of the LLL accreditation process is a detailed look at one's own mothering
experiences.

As to the idea that blatant non-support is about protecting others from pain
- I think it's about protecting THEMSELVES from pain.  It's asking a lot of
a human being to truly take in the information about breastfeeding/human
milk when they themselves are still suffering from the loss in their own
lives.  Very few of us are that zen.

It's not about demonizing anyone; rather, being aware of what might be going
on under the surface could help the helpers provide better support for
breastfeeding.

Ingrid 

Ingrid Tilstra
La Leche League Canada Leader
International Board Certified Lactation Consultant


It occurred to me on reading this thread that the lack of support,
especailly some of the more blatantly non-supportive comments, could be
perceived as an effort to protect another woman from pain.  It's not very
effective, but it makes me think more kindly about the person if I can see
their undermining behavior as their way of trying to play down the
importance of breastfeeding so another woman won't feel the loss so acutely.
Since I get almost homicidal when I hear about episodes like this, I welcome
anything that makes me demonize my colleagues less.

Debriefiing is not part of the process for getting approved as a
mother-to-mother counselor here, BTW.

Rachel Myr
Kristiansand, Norway

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