I've been enjoying the discussion on why LCs tend to only get the cases
that are really hard and lots of people have already tried to work on. Lack
of insurance coverage has been mentioned as a possible cause. Another is
that many people feel that they should try the "free" sources, such as
breastfeeding support groups, hotlines, email help venues, etc., first.
Having a baby is expensive, and it is hard to convince people that the
money for an LC is well spent (even though it OBVIOUSLY is if you check the
numbers).

I counsel mothers on the normal course of breastfeeding and give them
emotional support. And I make web pages for LLL and y'all, which is my
stronger point. When I get a question beyond the scope of my expertise, I
do not hesitate to recommend fine LCs in my lucky community--but I know
some mothers do not take me up on it and just try another LLLL or give in
to family pressure to give up. They just don't want to spend money on
something they perceive as available for "free." The only way to solve this
is education, and that will take a while. But I think the LC field IS
becoming more well-known and respected; we just need to give it time.

As for the suggestion that local LLL Groups give doctors in training
breastfeeding books. Tee hee. Our treasury barely covers materials for our
own use--we have physicians buying materials for US! (Like I said, we live
in a lucky community.)  As more and more mothers demand adequate care while
lactating and demand enlightened treatment for their breastfed children,
doctors WILL learn from experience, and slowly things will change.

I can't blame LCs, LLL folk and parents for becoming frustrated when their
HCPs are not educated in something that is important to
them--pediatricians, etc., are fellow human beings and we are allowed to be
frustrated when their behavior doesn't meet our expectations, and in an
email list for people who support breastfeeding mothers, the participants
should feel free to honestly express their opinions and describe their
experiences. I think we all know that there are good and bad practitioners
of almost anything--doctors, nurses, LCs, LLL Leaders, parents. Let's just
assume all the ones here are "good guys" and understand that if anyone is
venting their frustrations, it is directed toward outsiders. And assume
that in public we all treat each other  as respectfully as we can.

My opinion only. I have so many, and I treat you to so few of them... :-)

Sue Ann Kendall


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*** Sue Ann Kendall * [log in to unmask] **
****** Brushy Creek (Austin) Texas, USA ******
La Leche League Web Site Manager
************* www.lalecheleague.org **************
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