Dear Ann Marie,

Please take heart in the fact that most of us have been where you are
now.  And we all feel the same way about "let's not make them feel
guilty."  As you get more experienced in speaking, you may find it easier
to give the message without arousing feelings of insecurity in the
audience.  Remember that "always" and "never" are words we should rarely
use - there will be exceptions to the rule that people will be more than
happy to point out to you.  I think that empowerment and informed
decision-making are good tacts to take with mature audiences.  Younger
kids seem to respond to the message that breastfeeding is  the logical
and natural thing to do - there have been some good discussions about
this on Lactnet in recent months.

That said, don't let anything slow you down.  You are performing an
important service to your community.  You will, as most of us have, get a
 "reputation" as the local bf fanatic, nut, guru, etc.  But if you keep
the dialogue in the positive mode, behave professionally, and maintain
contacts, you will be the one that others refer moms to when they have
problems or questions.  You may be always viewed as somewhat of a
"fanatic", but eventually that will be accompanied by affection and/or
respect.  Too much passion may get you into an occasional difficult
situation, but without it, there is nothing to keep you going on those
rainy days.  Hang in there.

Sharon Knorr (running off at the mouth for some reason)
Lactation Consultant Services
Rochester, New York
mailto:[log in to unmask]