Just wanted to ad a comment regarding the ordering/buying of products through
companies.

Many of us trying to make a living being lactation consultants outside the
security of the establishments that provide a salary whether sick or not,
whether there are patients or not.  We work hard to promote breastfeeding in
our communities, organizations, and assist with research.  We spend on
marketing, donations, give-a-ways so families will remember our names and
come to us for help. We have to compete against hospitals that have MUCH
BIGGER budgets than us. Remember that when suggesting to moms (or for us in
that matter) to go and buy "stuff" from their local stores or e-commerce
sites that have money that we can't begin to find, just dimishes the small
funding we look for to keep us working hard for the babies and families we
try to protect.  I supplement my income by being adjunct faculty at the local
college.  Many of us would love to be full time LCs but just can't generate
the revenues to pay the mortgage, electric, food, and gas bills unless we do
other things.

It really came to me when I rec'd an email from one such advocate, wonderful
professional, that even though we may save a few bucks, we take away from the
pocket books of those that make a difference in our profession. (And I am
sorry for that)  Each and everyone of us make a difference, so when we look
to buy product, look to each of us, support us in our efforts to make a
living.  Avoid, baby's R us, american baby, and any other place that takes
revenues from "us".  Have moms look to our websites, store fronts, or
whatever sources are available to promote our lactation colleagues .
Remember that we can't continue to offer services if we don't make a living
at it.

When I need something that I won't or can't carry, I will refer or order from
my colleaque that does carry "it."  I learned my lessson that taking even a
dollar away from "us" can make or break the continuation of our practices.
It makes us work more "somewhere else" just to get the bills paid, which
means less time for our moms and babies.  We need to support each other in
order which also sets a standard.  We always tell moms something lik, "don't
go to the pharmacy to get a pump, it may not be the right pump for the right
reason, go to a lactation consultant".  So why aren't we supporting each
other with product as well as pumps?

Just my food for thought and thanks for listening,

Wendy Thomson, RN,BSN,IBCLC
<A HREF="http://www.naturalbeginningsinc.com/">NaturalBeginningsInc.com Breastfeeding Supplies, consultation and information</A>


             ***********************************************

To temporarily stop your subscription: set lactnet nomail
To start it again: set lactnet mail (or digest)
To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet
All commands go to [log in to unmask]

The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned
LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(TM)
mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to:
http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html