Great exchange of thoughts:

>But I want to see mothers at the heart of this, demanding and
>creating the support they need.

Heather, I agree!  For so many new mothers though,  I am not sure they have
any idea what it is they need, but if they can get to a support group they
are able to identify some kind of need and then follow their hearts...

Eight years ago while receiving my CLE from UCSD it was a requirement to
attend a LaLeche League meeting...I was astounded!  The wealth of support and
information was mind boggling and hey, these moms were doing it for free!  I
must admit that was the only meeting I attended, but I have been a supporter
ever since.  I received a call just yesterday from a mother I saw five years
ago with a newborn and limited breastfeeding problems who moved to Whidbey
Island in Washington.  A quick internet check allowed me to forward her name
to a leader who actively sought her out when she arrived there. This mom
happily breastfed for 3 years with support.  She is now feeling so good about
her experience!  Thanks to LLL women/people, this is an occurence they make
happen every day, all over our nation - thank you, all of you out there!

I do see a common thread in some of the 'professionals' feeling they know
more, do it better, whatever you want to call it, it does exist.  A few years
back I suggested we rotate our breastfeeding support group led by an LC to
rotate with LLL meetings in our hospital.  I thought it would be a great way
to introduce new mothers to LLL-
I was shocked at the opposition from one LC and her thoughts on LLL.  That
was all the 'boss' needed to hear, to nix that idea.  No controversy under
our roof, and the sad part is, that is how some insiders see it, as
controversy and competition and that is not what it is AT ALL!
I believe we are ALL IN THIS TOGETHER!  I don't want to be in it, if we're
not...

Anne Williams RN BSN IBCLC
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