Roni,
I totally agree with the problem of young girls not seeing breastfeeding,
but I think we have to go further than that - young girls don't see much
MOTHERING - of any kind.  And when they do, it is the ugly, violent type if
they see daytime TV...  (I was just waiting for an interview for WBW and
the studio had many channels on in different TV's on a wall - it was
enfuriating and depressing to see  the number of violent incidents among
people!)

Every time I have a chance, I speak of the unique needs of babies, of the
Kangaroo-ness of their needs, of their ability to grow up independent if
just allowed to develop according to their needs, etc...  I find that this
needs to be addressed even before I talk about what is a breast and a
nipple and how to get the two (breastfeeding Vs nipple feeding) and the
baby together!

After all, how can you breastfeed if you are worried about "picking the
baby up too much"  and "making the baby too dependent" and "letting him use
me as a pacifier" and "teaching him who is boss".  These are often
statements from grandparents and visitors, so the need to educate is much
greater than the mom and her support person...


Jeanette Panchula, BSW, RN, IBCLC, LLLL
mailto:[log in to unmask]
Project Director - Proyecto Lacta - Puerto Rico
http://netdial.caribe.net/~prlacta/
Lactancia Materna '98 - La Mejor Inversion