Hello Lactnetters!  My name is Laura Aldag and I am finaly returning to
Lactnet. I participated for a short time earlier this year but realized
quickly that I needed to learn more about my mail software and how to manage
messages better before I was ready to fully appreciate all that Lactnet had
to offer. I have missed being a part of this group and look forward to
catching up on the discussions.  I am a registered dietitian in Tucson
Arizona  and for the past 2 1/2 years I have coordinated a Breastfeeding
Support Project with WIC clients. I am actually a part-time faculty member
in the Department of Nutritional Sciences at the University of Arizona.  I
supervise two terrifice paraprofessional breastfeeding counselors who
provide hospital,home, and phone visits with  primarily Hispanic clients.
The project also supervises three peer counselors (WIC breastfeeding moms)
who help us provide phone support to Project clients.  The Project was
originally funded by U.S.D.A. as part of the Nutrition Education Initiative
and our current funding ends May 31, 1996.  We have developed a highly
successful Program and I am working hard to see it continue.  In Tucson
there is very little support and educational materials available for Spanish
speaking women, which is pathetic given the high percentage of the
population in Tucson that is Hispanic.  On a personal note, I have an eight
y.o. who I breastfed for 13 months (amazing since I knew very little about
breastfeeding at the time) and a 15 month old who I am currently
breastfeeding (with no signs of slowing down!)  I have very little formal
education in the area of breastfeeding and lactation..most of what I have
learned is on the job training.  I look forward to learning so much more on
Lactnet!
Laura Aldag, M.S.,R.D.
Assistant in Extension

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change
the world; indeed its the only thing that has"   Margaret Mead