>
>>Heather expressed concern that parents wouldn't know the differences



Alice, I really, really did not say this.  Of course parents know the 
difference between breastfeeding and breastmilk feeding and all the 
sub-categories - they know they are doing something different :)

My concern was that they are not always aware of how to  *reduce* the 
difference in the experience and how to value the fact that as 
mothers they are a lot more than just 'milk suppliers'.

>  > - I think this needs to happen in a separate moment, according to 
>the situation. Most parents, by the time they get to me, are 
>definitely aware of the differences and what >they are 'missing out 
>on', or believe they are feeding their baby something that is 
>substandard (formula, is often reffered to as akin to poison).

I recognise that phrase - it's not one that comes from breastfeeding 
supporters or people working in lactation education unless they are 
very cruel and not worthy of the role.  It doesn't come from the 
breastfeeding literature either.

It comes from the mothers themselves, who are distressed, angry, 
disappointed and sometimes defensive.  They sometimes say (in great 
distress) 'I feel I am giving him poison' or (in defensive mode) 'I 
hate the way formula is regarded as poison'.

We can all empower them to celebrate the fact they are nurturing 
their babies however they are doing it, and explaining to them how 
they can do it in love, joy and with emotional connection  - I'm sure 
you do this, as does anyone else worthy of the role of supporting 
mothers during this time.

Heather Welford Neil
NCT bfc, tutor, UK

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