Hi Keitha and LactNetters,
   I had to comment to Keitha on her feeling down because of situations
she encountered recently. In America, because breastfeeding is not seen
in the whole value but rather as simply a way to feed and 'formula' is
seen as a 'just as good' alternative, these situations will continue. I
get down when I get the sense that the mother is not wanting to hear
what I am sayiing or I encounter one of LDR nurses who questions me as
to 'what's the big deal about breastfeeding'. And I must admit I
sometimes get down and question why I am continuing (free of charge).
Then I encounter a mother who thanks me for helping her, a mother who
may have weaned without a second thought who is happily nursing months
later or I receive a letter from a mother who says that the help I have
given and the wisdom I have passed on, have changed her life completely.
And these are what make the difference. If I only help one mother, I
have succeeded, because that is one mother and baby and father and
family who are on a different path, a better path in life. I know that
over the past seven years, I have helped at least one mother a year
(hopefully at the very least) make that change and I do not know how
many of those mothers have gone on to help family and friends change
their paths. I know I can't change everyone myself. So I continue to
hold fast to my beliefs and work with those who seem receptive and at
least take the time to listen. One person at a time, is the easiest and
best way to start the change of such culturally engrained
misinformation. Keep working at it, I know from your post that you care
and I can bet that you have helped at least one mother. And that is what
is important.
Leslie (in rainy Vine Grove, KY)