Hi . I appreciate the many nice notes about my screwed up day .  I offended
this mother, and I realized that I have my own issues about weaning , about
going on to the next stage of my life, my own fears surrounding that
passage, and how important nursing has been to me in my life. I have been
pregnant or breastfeeding for 12 years. It is truly awe inspiring to think
that so much can happen in so little time..and how much of an impact it can
have on our lives as women ..

I have always been able to find *something* to laugh about even on bad days.
Maybe not right away , but usually I can find a little something. I have
received many notes saying " OHMYGAWD...thank God that you make mistakes
too. Makes me feel better.!"  I have a good good friend who is a master at
talking with mothers..she is also an LC..LLL Leader, etc. I have modeled
myself after her..and her skills are wonderful. Susan , my mentor,  are you
listening?  I even said to her today " This even happens to YOU sometimes,
right? ...in frantic hope that *I* wasn't the only one to screw things up
with a mother now and again... SHe laughed, and said something to the effect
of  'Oh great, I am glad you get solace out of that.!"

I am amused  at the idea that some here would think I was perfect or
something. Everyone's human.  Painfully so at times.  I have been called
tactful here on the net. (and cherish that label..let me tell you.)  On
Lactnet,  I have time to think usually, and there is no tone of voice, or
need to answer if I don't want to  etc. But phone calls can  intrude on
one's life. Sometimes they get you when you don't have the emotional
wherewithall to deal well. I found out today that I should reroute weaning
calls to my partners for a while.

Real life has no backspaces, and  no delete key,

: /

Sinking in a wallow of semi self doubt, but forgiving myself some too...

Kathleen, the non perfect lc, brave enough to share her screw up. If it
helps one of you be non judgemental, I will consider it a personal
accomplishment.
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Kathleen B. Bruce, BSN, IBCLC, LLL Leader (7 yrs),
Co-Owner Lactnet,  E-Mail = [log in to unmask]
LACTNET WWW site: http://www.mcs.com/~auerbach/lactation.html
"The better part of one's life consists in his friendships." Abraham
Lincoln, 1849.
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