I guess it is too early for me to be writing as I forgot an issue that I
wanted to comment on. I use to have a slight problem with 'consumer'
breastfeeding - the need to buy things. But as I have used EBM, formula
and bottles with almost all of my babies, I realized that was a bit
hypocritical. So I sat down and assessed what I had done and why, and
how I could feel good about working with this kind of mother. (I too
have many who would not breastfeed, if they could not use bottles in
public). I realized that there were issues that I did not convey to my
supporters and these moms may have issues that they are not conveying to
me. My job is not to be judge, jury or executioner, it is to provide
support and information. So I keep my mind busy with learning about as
many issues of breastfeeding, breast milk and surrounding issues, rather
than figuring out how to change the perceptions/beliefs of the moms I
encounter. I accepted that as I learned and grew in mothering, my
feelings and perceptions changed, and I have to allow the mothers I
encounter the same latitude. As I said in an earlier post, if the
product keeps the mother breastfeeding for even one more day, I consider
it a victory. Any amount of breastfeeding is a success for me, as this
baby at least has received some breastmilk, which is better than none.
This is how I look at it to keep myself from wanting to rant and rave
and become really rigid in my perceptions. I do think, that there is a
fine line between the issue, I would much more refer a product offered
by one of the breastfeeding supportive companies, than one offered by an
ABM company. I feel the first would not be as likely to compromise
breastfeeding and the latter may be designed to compromise
breastfeeding.
   I agree with Diane and Patricia, the goal is to help moms be
successful within their goals. If a mom is successful, feels that the
support person provided her with the information she needed and the
help, then perhaps she will pass the word along to her peers that
breastfeeding is OK and whatever source of her help was is OK, and she
may be more likely to initiate breastfeeding with any other children she
may have. And isn't this the goal we are all striving for?

Leslie Ward
Vine Grove, KY
"Take your children with you where ever you go, and be not ashamed."
Hopi Proverb