Frances - I share your frustration with the often unwittingly discouraging statements found in
promotional literature for breastfeeding. I am sure that this has a lot to do with our cultural
perception of breastfeeding as an unusual and challenging way to feed a baby. Here are some
suggestions for changing the statements you mentioned to a more positive form.

Instead of:
"that breastfeeding comes naturally is a myth"
and:
"breastfeeding , though a natural process, doesn't come naturally.  It has to be learned"(LLLI)

Use:
"Breastfeeding is a learned behaviour which is most effectively taught by modelling."

Instead of:
"it wasn't easy, like they say it is.  It was hard, but I stuck with it"
and:
"the first three weeks are the hardest. Many women stop then" (referring to sore breasts etc)

Use:
"Both mother and baby need time to learn the mechanics of breastfeeding. Like most things, it
becomes easier with practice."

        If you haven't already done so, I urge you to read Diane Weissinger's article in JHL,
"Watch your language!", which expresses some very pertinent thoughts on this subject.


Norma Ritter, IBCLC, LLLL
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"If not now, when? If not us, who?" R. Hillel