"If we can't vent our frustration about non breast feeders and non
breastfeeding supporters here, then where can we?"

Venting frustration is very different that putting someone down for
their choices OR assuming a higher status in themselves or their own
babies.  Is our parental status/report card or our children's status in
life based on the number of milliliters of milk they received from the
breast?  Or should it be based on the collective number of minutes they
spent with nutritive and nonnutritive sucking at the breast?  Silly?  I
think so.  Are my children "better" than my friends that chose to never
feed at breast or provide breast milk?  Am I a better parent than they
are for making the choice to provide that for my children?  My answer is
no.  Do my children have less illness?  yes.  Higher IQ?  maybe, maybe
not.  I do often read posts that assume the post(or)'s child must be
healthier or smarter than an ABM children.  Sure, more parents SHOULD
make the choice to breastfeed their babies, IMO that is not a debatable
issue.  I doubt that there are many of us reading lactnet that make the
"right" choice for their health every minute of everyday.  I fed my
family take out pizza last night and no vegetables on the side.  Healthy
choice?  no.  Am I a bad parent?  I don't think so, that was the best I
could do on that day after work and a swim meet.  Parents may choose to
use tobacco, drive faster than the speed limit, not exercise, not eat a
healthy diet.  They all impact their life and their children's lives.  I
just choose to respect parents and avoid making denigrating comments
about those who are trying to do the best they can, making their own
decisions as best they can, even if it is not what I choose to agree
with.  (Of course null and void of situations involving child abuse and
neglect)  Not everyone that posts conveys the same denigrating attitude
but this is what I see as a detriment to our profession.  I am not
referring to those who do handle themselves in a nonjudgmental manner
with patients but even so, what about the comments that that same L.C.
is making at the local soccer game or school function?   Is she/he still
speaking in a nonjudgemental way about infant feeding choices?  This is
where I find many oportunities to subtly educate those not properly
informed about lactation.  I do the same with hospital staff that may
not currently be very breastfeeding friendly.  This cannot be
accomplished if negative, judgemental and elitist comments are made in
every day life.  I have seen multiple staff members convert from
breastfeeding "unfriendly" to some of my biggest supporters of
breastfeeding moms and babies.  As I mentioned before, I am well aware
of mothers milk ingredients that are untouchable by ABM and the
difference in provision of milk at breast vs multiple caregiver/feeders.
Angie Kirkwood RN, BSN, IBCLC 

Nurse Feeding Specialist and Certified Lactation Consultant 
Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh Department of Clinical Nutrition 

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