Marie,

I wholeheartedly agree that we are trying to make breastfeeding a normal
occurance - and to that end, in my talks to health care professionals I show
lots of slides with breasts of different types (in fact, I could use more and
hope there will be some available in the Conference) and show positioning slides
that show everything.  (And even there get snickers.)

However, in my culture, the need to expose the breast is one of the reasons mom
choose not to breastfeed.  So in my classes to moms I show videos such as the
beginning of Kittie Frantz' tapes which show discreet nursing and I have
pictures and posters showing moms breastfeeding discreetely.   I even wear
clothing that would be easy to breastfeed and demonstrate with a doll (my baby
is 20) how I could breastfeed in front of a class of 7th graders and they were
not aware I was feeding my 3 month old until he burped.

We are trying to change an ABM culture here.  Once more moms start
breastfeeding, I believe they will support each other - and moms do, on their
own, decide this "discretion" is for the birds.  However, just as I know a
"balanced diet" is best for breastfeeding - but isn't a requirement, so
"acceptance of the breast and breastfeeding as normal" is the ideal, but if I
can just get some moms breastfeeding in any way they feel comfortable - they
will make changes on their own.


Jeanette Panchula,BSW, LLLL, IBCLC, RN
Puerto Rico
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