Dear Jay,

I am impressed that you have maintained a wide circle of friends with
different parenting strategies.  It seems, still, that most of my friends,
aquaintances, associates are fellow breastfeeding advocates.  It says so much
about your ability to move past your differences and embrace your
similarities.

I feel it is helpful to examine and acknowledge the strong feelings that we
have about our parenting choices.  It is in understanding how we came to our
decisions regarding breastfeeding or other parenting choices, that we can
understand and accept another's parenting choice that is different from what
we have chosen.  It is safe to assume that most of the parents that we come
in contact with love their children with all their hearts, and regardless of
whether we would make the same choices for our own children, we have to trust
that they are making the choices that they feel is best for their children.
 I think that when we recognize our strong feelings and are comfortable with
our decisions, we are less threatened by a mother's different choices.  Like
Chele Marmet, I am wearing my "Zealot" badge proudly.  There is no denying my
strong feelings;  anyone who knows me can attest to that.  I just hope that
the mothers I meet feel that I value and respect them for the mothers that
they are.

Good luck with helping your local day care become more baby friendly!  A
recent Texas law has a provision to certify companies that are baby friendly.
 The TX  Dept of Health in Austin may help with your questions about storing,
handling EBM, etc.  Janet Rourke or Chan McDermott may be able to answer your
questions.  Write to 1100 W. 49th St.
Austin, TX  78756

Kathy Gilsdorf, IBCLC, LLLL