Lisa, I think the bf mom is correct. The practical information
about bf needs to be taught first. Studies bear out the
perception that "everyone" knows the "benefits" of bf.  I
sometimes make a joke about skipping over the benefits, by
saying "You all know this stuff, right?" and (guaranteed show
stopper) "There are no benefits to bf, actually." I quickly whiz
over the reason why bf is normal, the other stuff has
disadvantages. This opens the door for me to point out the
benefits of reading the "benefits" handout (I use LLLI
"Breastfeeding Makes a Difference") so it will be fresh in their
mind if someone makes a negative comment to them about
bf. All this takes just a minute or two, depending on the
amount of laughter.

As Coach Linda Smith keeps saying, people need to be
taught how to make milk and how to serve it. (Sorry for the
rephrasing). Perceived insufficient milk is the #1 reason
women quit bf. #2 reason is pain. If you can give women the
tools to address those two issues you will be providing them
with education that is vital to successful lactation.

Remember, Lisa, you may be the only person who can teach
the practical stuff. All the other providers can tell parents that
breast milk is best (even formula companies do that!) but
who can give them the recipe for making more?  They will be
given lots of bad advice (likely) so your job is to provide a
grounded education. Make every minute count.

BTW: I highly recommend the teaching materials from
Zealots/Linda Smith. The games make it easy to convey
important info--and even the dads who are "dragged" to the
class end up having fun.

Margery Wilson, IBCLC