Nikki wrote:
>Giving staff pieces of paper, no matter how good, is a poor substitute for a discussion. Staff need someone to sit down and to discuss this new (to them) information about the risks of non-human milks. For 4 generations now, it has been okay to feed formula to a baby. Now, evidence is showing us that it isn't. We, who are on the cutting edge of this information, have to be compassionate and persistent as we educate those around us. There has to be also a big forgiveness piece in our education for the folks that did the best they could with what they had, and who may hear this new information through the filter of their personal experience, anger, and grief.<

In my experience, one of the key components of teaching staff about
breastfeeding management is the debriefing process. This is true for
anyone who wants to learn more about breastfeeding, because we all
come with baggage. None of us can avoid hearing or experiencing
negative feelings in our society.
This is where mother-to-mother groups, like Breastfeeding USA and La
Leche League, excel. Part of the training programmes for BCs and
Leaders includes opportunities to talk about their personal
breastfeeding experiences and feelings, and to explore their own
prejudices.
Incorporating this type of activity into trainings for hospital and
WIC staff makes a lot of sense. Before we can be open to new
knowledge, we need to be aware of what we really know and what we only
think we know.


Norma Ritter, Breastfeeding USA Counselor, IBCLC, RLC
Breastfeeding Matters in the Capital Region
www.NormaRitter.com
Join us on Facebook for the latest birthing and breastfeeding news and views:
http://tinyurl.com/BMCRonFB

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

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