Dear Melissa,

I found this in my out basket as I was *cleaning out* the computer - so sorry it
wasn't sent in a more timely fashion, but maybe you can save it for the next
time you feel like throwing in the towel...

To ensure breastfeeding for furture generations, given the inroads artificial
human milks have made into *market share*, the profession of lactation
consulting should probably be looking at a three pronged approach: educating to
entry level new lactation consultants, continuing to educate those assisting new
mothers/babies with breastfeeding, AND including burn-out prevention strategies
as part of this continuing education effort. The whole economic feasibility of
spending money to keep a trained employee working at potential has been well
documented in the business arena; no less should be done in this field.
Unfortunately, this being said, the only ones to pay for this - or even care
about this, are ourselves.

Melissa, burn-out can come in a variety of guises: physical - too much work for
the time and energy that you have to give, philosophical -too much negativism or
apathy to do the work; resources - too much scrounging for money, space,
equipment, etc. to do the work; job satisfaction - too little import given your
work by peers/colleagues. And just like depression ( the world looks pretty
bleak on those mornings after little sleep coupled with no exercise and an
on-the-run diet), one's  feelings of burn-out can intensify because one hasn't
been paying good attention to one's self.That's the first place I always start.

What improves situations like yours is time and persistence. As you continue to
give out the same good breastfeeding information, and mothers have breastfeeding
relationships that satisfy and empower them, then that attitude will inspire
others. It is truely a ripple effect, and the best that you can do for your
community and yourself is to find a way to continue what you are doing - rather
than spend all your energy on eradicating the source of misinformation.

Give yourself license to take some time off - refill your personal energy stores
- so that the profession and all the mother/baby couples you'll help in the
future won't lose out on your expertise!!!

Warmly,

Jeanine Klaus, MS, IBCLC, LLLL
Oakville, Ontario