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Mon, 3 Nov 1997 22:31:19 +1030 |
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Ann Marie Trebon wrote:
"Last spring, I was asked to speak to new/pregnant moms about infant
feeding. Guess I came across too strong, because when I offered my
services for an upcoming expectant parents tea, I was told, after a long
hesitation, that "we have to be less passionate about breastfeeding. There
are lots of women who cannot breastfeed and we don't want to make them feel
guilty." Arrgghhh! "
Having just attended the NMAA International Lactation Conference in Sydney,
Australia and heard Katherine Dettwyler unpack this whole notion of
"Promoting Breastfeeding-Promoting Guilt", may I suggest that you approach
her for a copy of the paper, Ann Marie. I can't do justice here to the
paper which, forme, was one of the most thought-provoking of the three
days, but would share with you her quote from Marsha Walker:
"Nowhere else in the healthcare system do we withhold information from
patients because it would make them feel guilty. This paternalistic view
seeks to protect women from knowing the possible consequences of making
"poor" choices for themselves and their infants. It robs women of their
right to informed decision making. Women have the right to hear options".
Would this same organisation refuse to accept speakers on child safety (in
the car? in the home?), dental hygiene, immunisation or the educational
value of reading to your young child?
What makes breastfeeding any different?
Hang in there!
Dot Newbold
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