This post is not meant as a reproof, but as an expression of my opinion.  I
want to remind all breastfeeding advocates that we are currently perceived
as difficult and nutty.  Without diminishing our passion for what we believe
and what we can prove, good manners (if not good politics) dictate that we
not alienate all the other health care professionals who may also have
pieces of the puzzle, and who may be our potential allies in the campaign to
protect birth and breastfeeding.  I read widely in the dental, plastic
surgery, social science, econonmic lit.etc. for insights about
breastfeeding, and there is stuff we need to know salted everywhere.  We
should be talking to the other sub-specialists, not driving them away. They
have things to teach us, and meeting each other provides us the opportunity
to teach them. My understanding of the definition of humility is to be
teachable.  Anyone can be our teacher, even sometimes in very unlikely
circumstances.

 As someone who turns out to be wrong about things a good portion of the
time, I need to hear from people who rile me up a bit because they force me
to reexamine my biases.  They should, of course, be invited to prove their
point, but I think this can be done respectfully.

I LOVE good debate, but I find personal comments discomforting.

Barbara


Barbara Wilson-Clay, BS, IBCLC
Private Practice, Austin, Texas
Owner, Lactnews On-Line Conference Page
http://moontower.com/bwc/lactnews.html