An update on the situation in the UK where the National Childbirth Trust,
with 600 lay breastfeeding counsellors, accepted sponsorship from a baby
milk manufacturer.  We called an Extraordinary General Meeting to try to
make changes to ensure that this could not happen again, but were defeated.
 Thanks to those of you who offered your support - watch this space for
news of the new organisation!

Mary Broadfoot, Paisley, Scotland
[log in to unmask]
Radio 4 presenter - 'You know you're being called a fundamentalist?'

----------
> From: Mary Broadfoot <[log in to unmask]>
> Subject: Independence Day
> Date: 04 July 1997 08:02
>
> Good morning everybody
>
> The sun is shining, it's a new day, a new beginning.  We were defeated
> yesterday at the EGM, but I think we have a moral victory.  I resigned as
a
> breastfeeding counsellor and tutor on the spot, and perhaps 35 others
stood
> up to join me.  I think 10 tutors did so.  I also stated that there will
be
> an alternative organisation, to enable counsellors to continue to support
> breastfeeding women independently.
>
> The resolutions were voted on as follows :
>                                               For                     Against
> Resolution 1 (sponsorship)                    1200    (26.2%)         3387    (73.8%)
> Resolution 2 (membership subs)                        2105    (45.9%)         2479    (54.1%)
> Resolution 3 (change requirements to call EGM)        3571    (78%)           1010    (22%)
>
> Votes in hall
> Resolution 1 (sponsorship)                    125                     56
> Resolution 2 (membership subs)                        113                     65
> Resolution 3 (change requirements to call EGM)        48                      127
>
> The press interest has been huge, and I am looking forward to a break
from
> that.  They now want to know about the new organisation.  I am telling
them
> that there will be one, it will cover the UK (ie not *just* a Scottish
> charity), and watch this space - I need a wee break!  I will keep you all
> up to date with developments.
>
> I want to thank you all for the support you have given me - that is what
> has kept me going.  I have known from early on that I was not only
speaking
> for myself, but voicing the thoughts and feelings of many others.  We all
> did our bit, and we all did our best - and we can feel confident that we
> did what was right.  Sometimes you just have to stand up for your
> principles.
>
> Particular thanks to James, Caroline, Cherry, Phyll, for all the time you
> have put into this, and your good advice.
>
> Mary Broadfoot, Paisley, Scotland
> [log in to unmask]
> Radio 4 presenter - 'You know you're being called a fundamentalist?'