Marie:

        In reference to speaking to med students.  They're being constantly
pumped full of information so my approach is to:

        1)   First sell them on the beautiful physiology of
breastmilk(macrophages, lymphocytes, interferon, lactoferrin, etc),  how it
works,  where it comes from,  and most importantly,  all the new data
showing that it is far superior to "canned" milk.   Because they  see lots
of Otitis Media,  and viral diarrheas in the clinics...be sure to mention
how breastmilk reduces viral diarrhea, otitis media, SIDS,  milk allergies,
etc. etc.  Sell the physiology,  its our most powerful tool.

        2)   Med students often feel very insecure.  Let them know that
"YOU" are available,  and it is your job to help them with breastfeeding
problems,  such as evaluation, latch on,  etc,  and that you expect them to
call you..  Give them handouts on counting wet diapers, and other PROTOCOLS
for determining how well a breastfeeding infant is doing.    Give them your
card,  or telephone number.  Go see them on the hospital wards after you
have spoken... the very  next day,  just to socialize with them.  If they
feel comfortable with you,  they'll really open up with questions.

        3)   Briefly speak about drugs,  how most are quite safe to use,
and  how you have a reference,  or other sources,  to help them medicate a
breastfeeding mom safely.   They're generally very weak and very insecure
concerning drugs,  offer them sources of information to make them more
comfortable.

Remember,   you know a hell-of-a-lot more than they,  so be very
informative,  and  animated.   On rounds,  the normal procedure is to ask
questions of students,  they expect this,  so pose questions for them to
answer.  "You have a one-week-old infant,  how do know that the infant is
getting enough breastmilk?"

So happy teaching !!!

tw hale