Dear Jody...I apologize if your feelings were hurt by my note to the general
Lactnet population. I have discussed this situation with Kathleen Auerbach,
the other co owner of Lactnet, and we regret that this whole thing has
happened in a way that makes you feel wrong, a misfit,  or an outcast. You
are none of the above! : )

We would love to help all mothers who have breastfeeding needs. Our  problem
comes in that Lactnet is meant to help mothers by supporting the people who
usually do the helping. If we had 1/2 of the people on our list have one
specific client post  to the list for assistance, say, in any month, that
would be 300 questions per month.  This would not be possible for us to
handle as a list...unfortunately. I feel like the meanest mother (mother of
Lactnet that is) on the block.  I feel the stares of the crowd as I say
this, but I hope you all can appreciate where I come from on this.

I sympathize with you and your difficult situation. I admire your
efforts...who says you are not a breastfeeding mother?  Have you tried LLL
or the Nursing Mothers Council for breastfeeding support and emotional
support? They could be really helpful to you.  As for the referral to
another doctor...sometimes, it is really tough to get a referral to another
doctor (they can be stingy with referrals)..some families decide that they
will circumvent this system..and make an appt on their own, ..of course,
this is an individual thing, as you would have to probably pay for such a
visit to another doctor. It might be worth it to you.. I don't know.

I am sorry you have been treated cavalierly by local people. I am also
thinking that you, in your devotion, should continue to search for the
solution to this difficult problem. Your persistance to find solutions,  and
your love for your child is evident...and will be so obvious to him as he
grows and faces other challenges of life. Motherhood can be  so tough...and
so rewarding.  Please do NOT feel chagrined or segregated, or unwelcome.  I
hope you can appreciate my position as list maintainer.  . *You are welcome
to stay here on Lactnet* .

The meanest "mother" on the block..

Kathleen Bruce

PS Parent L is also another great place for support..it is available
at....can someone post this info?  On the Lactnet Web Page, I know there is
a reference for how to get onto this fine list..
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Kathleen B. Bruce, BSN, IBCLC, LLL Leader
Co-Owner Lactnet, LLLOL, Corgi-L E-mail lists
LACTNET WWW site: http://www.mcs.com/~auerbach/lactation.html
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