Hi All,
  Carol, I want to thank you for your comment to Deb Wirtel, as it
applies to most LLL Leaders. I have decided to stay with breastfeeding
counseling and in the near (hopefully) future turn it into a certified
paid profession, rather than a volunteer position. But that does not
mean that in the past few years, I have simply rested on what I know
about breastfeeding.
   Since becoming an AAPL for my area in 1994, I realized how very
little I did know about breastfeeding and the breasts and have worked
very hard to increase that knowledge by reading a broad range of books
concerning the mechanics and medical aspects of breastfeeding.
   You are right also about being a part of LactNet, I have seen
situations and questions here, that I have not ever seen and may never
see.
   Deb (and those of us who are not professionals) and those of you here
who are, should continue to understand that there is as much to learn
about the breasts/breastfeeding as any other part of the human body and
it's function. That is why I wish many HCPs would admit that while they
are in charge of the situation at hand, their training on breastfeeding
may be lacking and it may be time to consult another professional (or
paraprofessional) who may know more than they do about breastfeeding,
before they make a decision that may be based on a fear of malpractice,
a lack of knowledge on the differences between breastmilk and formula,
or worse - simply a personal bias.
   Everyone on this list, professional, paraprofessional, or friend of
breastfeeding needs to remember that as long as we are here to read the
posts, we will continue to expand our knowledge base - and that can
never fail to hurt any of us - or the mothers and babies we help.

Leslie Ward