i know, i started this thread, and i am very pleased to see all the thoughtful
ways we are responding in these situations. even knowing the exact words
someone else uses helps me feel comfortable with what i myself do. but, as
when this has come up before, i sometimes feel we verge on apologizing for
hcps who have no  knowledge about lactation.

i don't expect my podiatrist to be knowledgeable about breastfeeding, although
i happen to go to one that was exceptionally supportive and even helped me
defend my position against the prejudices of various nurses and the
anesthesiologist when i had surgery (that was nice). but i certainly expect a
pediatrician or family practitioner to know a lot about lactation. give me a
break! this is nutrition here! the equivalent of this sort of mindset would be
to apologize for a cardiologist who doesn't know about a diet that helps
prevent heart disease, or what dietary items are dangerous for a cardiac
patient, and gives out bad information. "look, we can't all be saints, go
ahead and eat lard, lots of people eat it and it doesn't hurt THEM."

so pat, see, i didn't think you were cranky at all. or perhaps for only the
best reasons.

carol b.