Dear Jan, and Cathy,

Your points are well taken.  Thank you for your input.  I agree that we know
a good deal more about infant feeding than some others, and that all mothers
can benefit from our kind services, and our ability to meet mothers where
they are at, hoping to bring them to a different place in terms of their
ability to parent, etc.  And they might be in need of the extra nurturing,
as well. I agree with you both.

I guess I was reacting ( in haste, obviously) to what might be the
underlying aim of a hospital to provide this service.  I know that it is not
in anyone's best interest to cause feelings of blame, etc or guilt,
etc...nor is it in the best interest to withhold valuable and accurate
information on breastfeeding from these parents.

It is important to put oneself in the shoes of the mother, and to provide
help and support, enticing those who are a little shaky, etc on
breastfeeding to consider it.

I don't know why I am rambling, but my first gut reaction was that this
effort by the hospital was kind of an effort to equalize breastfeeding and
formula feeding.  Is it the time-honored " We don't want to make them feel
guilty? " pitch? Maybe, or maybe not. But I just have to suck it up, I
guess, and put my best foot (breast)? forward.

 : D

Thanks for the kind and thoughtful responses.  IN agreement, and yet sighing
....

Kathleen

Kathleen B. Bruce, BSN, IBCLC co-owner Lactnet,TLC, Indep. Consultant
Williston, Vermont, where daylight is almost gone by 4 pm....
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