We are wondering whether the lack of activity here is because more and more
people are using the Facebook group called Lactnet instead.
Facebook has its purpose (some would argue, myself only halfheartedly) but
I feel it would be a loss to the international breastfeeding community if
this list with its searchable archives going back 20 years were to wither
away and exist no more. So here is a challenge: Write a post to the list
about how you first came to Lactnet, what it has meant to you, and if you
like, which post you have found most memorable in your time here.

I'll start. I heard about Lactnet when three of the original listmothers
(Kathleen Bruce, Jeanne Brotherton, and Kathy Auerbach!) came to Oslo to do
a seminar for people working with breastfeeding in Norway. I subscribed
immediately and got quickly addicted as I had never before had a group of
colleagues to consult with. And what a group, with luminaries in the field
from every continent, so willing to share their knowledge in a courteous
and nurturing way that stands out among such fora on line. I've made
friends and professional contacts, procured parts for our sailboat, and
more times than I can count, the knowledge and skills of the subscribers on
this list have enriched my practice, to the benefit of mothers and children
I serve. I've had much more fun at conferences because I know half the
speakers. I had the great privilege of being on the team of people who
midwifed Jean Cotterman's article for JHL on reverse pressure softening and
I later helped import that knowledge to Norway and Sweden. About 90% of my
preparation for sitting the IBLCE exam the first time consisted of
participating in discussions on Lactnet. I am not exaggerating. If anything
I am playing down how important it was.

Among thousands of memorable posts (honestly) there is one I think I have
shared more frequently than any other, and it is Jacqui Gruttadauria's
response to Diane Wiessinger's call to anyone who has breastfed during
pregnancy, inviting them to share the feelings they had. It still makes me
cry every time I re-read it and it alone was responsible for one of the
most recent subscriber additions to the list.

Here's another exercise for you. Try out the search function if you have
never read Jacqui's post. It was posted on April 23, 2008, the day after
Diane posted her invitation, and the subject line is 'for those of you who
breastfed during pregnancy'. If it leaves you unmoved then maybe you aren't
in the right field.

For a lactosaurus like me who doesn't like pop-ups and News feeds and bells
and whistles interspersed with serious shop talk as on FB, this list has
been sustenance itself. Pure and unadulterated, steady, reliable, I would
hate to see it die for lack of activity.

Rachel Myr
listmother since about 2001
Kristiansand, Norway

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