Regarding Carol Brussel's questions
> Why was La Leche League not included in this article?
> Why was LLL not exhibiting at the AAP convention? Questions of money
aside, I am wondering about the credibility of LLL. And I will mention in
case anyone wonders, that I have more than one volunteer job with LLL and
support it wholeheartedly.
>But, I am wondering, as do others, why LLL does not have more presence.

I ask these questions about Australian breastfeeding support groups and
particularly in regard to my other professional group; the Australian
College of Midwives, comparing its profile and that of the AMA (Australian
Medical Asssociation).
I believe its a reflection of a different priorities, the AMA has statements
printed in our papers and on TV about a wide variety of subjects, doctors
head committes which are not essentiallly medical they either control or
have veto powers over government.
Anyway we need to practice some of their strategies, particularly those
which can raise our public profile.
At least one person needs to be employed by LLL, ILCA, ACMI etc to
consistently present a response to current issues in the media or government
enquiries etc.
When our groups gain the ear of journalists, politicians again and again we
will get our just recognition and others will come to us to be part of
forums (some even possibly irrelevant to our main objective) for our
contribution. We need to cultivate the connections already made to become
pro-active.
 OUR position is substantiated by research, by evolution!
Would it take much, except concerted effort to possibly see the formula
companies in the position which the tobacco companies presently find
themselves??.
Similarly if we were all to push for universal Human Milk Banks access, is
not the opposition standing on sand??
Bolton in "People Skills" says "Assertion and reflective listening are the
ying and yang of good communication".
Communication skills are one of the essential skills of an LC!
OUR use needs to extend into the community, the universe!
Our rights and more importanly those of our clients and all children are
being Violated for commercial gain or maintenance of powerful elites.
Why are our voices not being heard?
Why do we think it is not an imperative that they be heard???
Who said "If we continue to do what we have always done
we will continue to get what we have always got!"?

 Denise Hynd RM, LC
Perth WA