Hi All,
  Since I deal (on a monthly basis) with a class at the hospital & an
LLL group, I see a variety of mothers. I tend to handle breastfeeding
commitment with not a length of time, but from the health angle of just
initiating breastfeeding. This is what I emphasize and I also emphasize
that the actual breastfeeding experience has to be dealt with on a day
to day basis - as setting a time limit (both on amount of time at breast
or for length of the breastfeeding experience as a whole) is a recipe
for disappointment and possible problems, no matter what the outcome
(positive or negative). By handling the breastfeeding experience on a
day to day basis, they do not enter the first, trying days with that
attitude - 'I have to do this for another 12 (24) months?' They are
looking at only today.
   I mention in the discussion of how long, that it is a personal
choice, but must be made with the realization that weaning from the
breast before 12 months means baby must be fed an acceptable infant
formula (cows milk or toddler milks are not acceptable) which then means
a financial outlay and weaning again. I also emphasize in the class that
breastfeeding a 3 month old, 6 month old, 12 month old and toddler, is
vastly different from the first few days. It won't be the constant
intensive situation of 2 people learning and getting acquainted - which
is what newborn breastfeeding really is.
    Mentioning no solids until 6 months old, no supplementing, no
pacifer, no bottles and feeding on 'cue' (which makes it sound less like
baby is going to become 'spoiled' - and really what 'demand' nursing is)
can be taught in a segment on getting breastfeeding established and off
to a good start. I stress that this does not mean baby will never eat
solids or never establish a schedule, never etc. - that just during the
period of establishing breastfeeding, holding off on the 'extras' will
help prevent problems or complications in the management of
breastfeeding. This also helps parents to see I am not against
supplementing and 'extras' (per se) just that in the first few weeks, it
can cause problems, if there is not a medical reason for whatever they
are asking about.
   I have to admit that I mention the 1 year AAP guide or 2 year Who
Code, only when a specific question is asked. And then I state that
human milk is best for the child, no matter what the age, but with a
complete understanding of what weaning to formula means, the actual
decision is still the mother's. Of course this then opens the door to
answering what 'a complete understanding of what weaning to formula'
means, which is when I discuss the risks they haven't been told about
formula.
   Never, always and every are scary words to expectant and new parents,
I try to avoid them in any discussion. Also I agree with you, from the
moment a woman becomes pregnant, she should be educated on the benefits
of breastfeeding and human milk and the risks/costs of formula use
(which we all know does not occur). I feel that parents who comment on
being overwhelmed are just not realistic on 'what they have gotten
themselves into' and are the ones who need education, guidance and
support.

Leslie Ward
Vine Grove, KY