I can relate to the same feelings concerning moving in to the new LC
position.  I have requested for 2 and half years for my position as LC at my
hospital.  We are probably the last hospital in the Tidewater area without
one.  I was told no one wanted to risk my career options because of my
senority and you know how LC is seen as "the cutting edge of Nursing"  what a
pun!  So I got tired hitting my head against the wall.  I gradually took a
break in grad school when my girlfriend giggled about receiving an
advertisement for GU Masters with a Lactation track.  I told her I was
interesterd and began working further on my LC work.  I got pretty desperate
and volunteered to go to Croatia with the Navy Fleet Hospital Five supporting
the United Nations Peacekeepers for 6 months, leaving behind my supportive
husband and 2 sons, 8 & 3 .  I knew I was coming to an end of my career and
wanted something special to take with me.  Memories.  Even in Zagreb, Croatia
the women are westernizied and mix breast/ bottle like Americans.  I should
also mention,  that amongst 40,000 Peacekeepers and a zillion United Nations
employees (war is hell on the payroll) I did see 10 pregnant women who were
married wives of Peacekeeper, United Nations employee or Embassy spouse.  I
couldn't resist doing Lepolds or listen to fetal heart tones.  I would also
bring up the subject of BF.  Again a well-diversified group of culture
/religion/ethnic backgroud and not any different than our society.  I guess
that's Americanization for you.  What a disappointment.
  So that's how I landed my job, came back and they got along with me for 6
mo so I had a let sympathy for leaving my family, giving up my cushy job as a
Charge nurse on Surgical Peds and not sure if I was going to be promoted or
retire.
  It has been great on the good days and  on tuff days, I wonder why I care
and try so hard when I could give- in like  those mothers who bottle feed for
"convience".  The professionals are the hardest nuts to crack for this
breastfeeding freak on the loose.   I will put in a prayer request to
 overcome negatism & skeptism in response to my request to inform familes to
feed their child breastmilk.
  It is only after 4 fast  & fun mos. that now the 2 postpartum floors are
requesting me to educate them on what I do so they may assist me in
reinforcing the imfo and techq.  Everywhere I turn around I find people
believing in what I do is valuable and willing to help me in my efforts.  I
can't believe it.
As one nurse stated, You are rubbing off on us.  That's the difference.
Preaching what we practice.
I think the only time I have a problem is when people do not know my
reputation or style of doing business.  They become hostile & say "its a
personal choice.  I tell them  I' m behind the woman who does not BF 100%.  I
dont hassle her .  Frankly business is too good.  I would'nt  be able to
handle !00% of BFeeders.  But I do expect them to support BFers 100% just
like they do the non Breastfeeders.
Hey, if I can get the Formula Reps  to understand there will be no promotion
of any formula to BFers or non BFers during Aug 1-7 for World BF Week.  I'm
doing pretty good.  Hang in there!!!
I love my job but I like to adventure on my own with some other LCs and start
our business.  Anybody
interested?.