I've been following the thread on being zealots; that's the
obstacle in which I have yet to overcome and which keeps me from pursuing
cert. as LC.  Since I discovered the realities of BF and formula I have
become very opinionated.
        I had been an RN for 7 years when my first child was born...let
me tell you, in retrospect, I got some really bum advice about BF!  2
more children later and I finally found the resources informing me of how
bad formula is, how to let baby take the lead, etc.
        The point here is, if I, a professional, was 'in the dark' about
the truth in BF, then where does this leave the general public?  Look at
the blitz of material available through mainstream publications and
mailings regarding formula marketing?
        I was in my OB's office yesterday (expecting #4) and a woman was
talking about why she wasn't going to BF and was surprised! to find out
that you could continue to BF in the AM and at noc if you don't 'want' to
pump at work.  Then she happily left with her 'OB pac" the receptionist
gave her...full of formula samples and coupons.  It struck me for the 1st
time how BF education needs to be started at the OB's office, 'cause
generally a woman decides breast or bottle BEFORE babe is born.
        I would LOVE to see more stuff out in the mainstream press, and
in doctors' offices in particular, about the 'truth' of formula vs
breastfeeding. Pardon my caps, but IT IS NOT AN EITHER/OR CHOICE!
        Yes! Be zealots!  You are doing your clients no favors by keeping
this info quiet 'unless asked'.  Don't you think women are pressured
enough to 'just give that baby a bottle and get him quiet!'  Remember,
our mothers were taught that formula was the new and modern way to feed
our babies; so don't look for much support from them.   Also, I feel
there's a trend towards doing whatever is 'easiest' for mom...if ladies
think formula is 'just as good'...as even I once did...where does that
land us?