Anne, when I was reading the description of your diverse mother's group a
flash of inspiration zapped me. Do you have access to the cartoon books
by Joan McCartney ("We Should Do This More Often" and "The Other Side
Makes Chocolate") --  distributed by La Leche League -- and possibly other
places as well). They depict the lighter side of parent/child interactions,
often with a breastfeeding theme, and most of the cartoons are reflect a
parenting "truth." They serve as super discussion starters. And, when you
have the group laughing there is less risk individuals will feel intimidated
by the content.

While I try to be very sensitive to the women in a group who "couldn't"
breastfeed, I think it is vital for them to hear the truth. The women who
are breastfeeding often provide gentle reality checks for the mothers who
talk about why they "couldn't" breastfeed. Many times I've listened as
breastfeeding moms reassure a mom who has weaned for bogus reasons ("not
enough milk," "milk not rich enough" etc.) that she probably could've
breastfed. Because they are able to share this in a non-threatening way
("Wow -- did you get bad advice!") It is generally a nurturing interaction.
I've seen a few "failed" moms return successfully nursing a subsequent baby.

BTW: women who "really couldn't" nurse their babies don't automatically feel
badly when they are around women who can nurse. Of course there is grieving
for what is not, but that doesn't make them feel guilty. One of my biggest
"breastfeeding boosters" is a mom who tried and tried but couldn't sustain
lactation (long story). She KNOWS what a precious activity it is!

It's great hearing all the ways everyone is celebrating WBW.

Margery Wilson, IBCLC
Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA