Dear Anne. Thanks for your note. What I actually said was that
discussing one person's situation, a POW's wife, would potentially be a
hotbed for emotional venting....and that I did not think that discussing
that particular situation would be that helpful, but it *would* tape
into a whole load of "patriotic" stuff that I do not want on Lactnet. I
was being specific, I believe....Breastfeeding and what happens to
people under stress in general are fine topics for discussion, but to
discuss any aspect of the pros or cons of the current conflict are not
appropriate, and my experience tells me that they would soon be spawned
by a discussion of a POW and his family.  There are others in need and
under stress....all the Iraqi families, and others of many countries. To
tap into a discussion of an American POW and his family on Lactnet,
which is an international list, is asking for trouble.

-----Original Message-----
From: Anne Andrianos [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Saturday, March 29, 2003 9:37 AM

Dear Kathleen: Thank you for your post clarifying your
position as listmother on war discussions and Lactnet.
I agree that Lactnet is not the proper forum for
discussion of the current event taking palce in Iraq.
I do respectfully disagree with you that discussions
of breastfeeding matters as affected by the conflict
are not appropriate for discussion on Lactnet.


As long as we discuss them in general, ie mothers who are under grave
stress, etc, and not in terms of the specific situation in Iraq, I have
no problem with it. It's when we bring nationalism into it that the
problem will begin, and that I am avoiding.



Never before has there been such a group of keen
,articulate breastfeeding professionals in touch with
each other around the globe.



Yes. I agree. It is wonderful, and has taken me 8 years of patient work
to get the list to this point.  That is why I am careful to protect it
from nationalistic discussions of any type.



As you have noted,, this
group has suscribers from over 50 countries, of
several religions and cultural groups and have
differing ideas about promoting and protecting
breastfeeding. There are LC's in several other
countries that are directly engaged in this conflict
and could profit from an exchange of support ideas and programs.



If they bring up a need for help, I will be very glad to have that
discussion happen.  It's when we, as Americans, bring up one person's
situation, in this case, a POW, it makes many feel uncomfortable, and
I'm not sure there is anything to be learned in this particular
discussion.



Lastly, Lactnet subscribers know people in other organizations who can
also help breastfeeding mothers and babies. It seems to be that we are
not taking advantage of an important opportunity to interact and link on
a greater stage through our own dialog.



As I said, discussions about mothers and babies under grave stress, and
in these types of situations, are welcome. Just let's keep it general.
What we have to avoid is nationalism,  ....it is really hard for some to
keep their emotions under control, especially if they do not believe
that the current conflict is just, or in our best interest. I want to
protect the comfort level of those on the list who are from different
cultures, etc.and different religious backgrounds. Some of our
international friends might be very uncomfortable with a discussion of
this conflict, and I have heard from many privately who have appreciated
that the list be kept as apolitical as possible.

War provides an opportunity to observe, study, learn
about a natural process (breastfeeding) in unusual
conditions. I think that we all could learn more about
how adversity affects lactation...not thru reading a
book or journal article printed years ago, but
studying the problems now. We might also learn about
how to help lactating women around the world in
unusually stresseful conditions (emotional,
psychological and physical). I think it isunfortunate
to miss/avoid this learning/helping experience.



I am not advocating missing these learning experiences. However,
discussion about a POW's wife is very personal...and emotional. I do not
think that it illustrates the point you are making, but focuses on one
woman's very unfortunate situation.  As I have mentioned, discussions
about any points re: lactation during war time, under stress, etc, are
welcome. It's when it becomes political, as in discussing a POW, that it
crosses the line of what is ok. Some on our list, for instance, might
think we are focusing then on American viewpoint, justifying the war by
our comments and discussions, and this is what I have to try and avoid.
Is there a compromise that you can see between our two viewpoints?  The
discussion about the POW's wife is not really about breastfeeding. It's
about politics.



I am not suggesting, after reading your clarifying
post and request, that any mention of the current
conflict in Iraq be brought up again on Lactnet. I did
want, however, to clarify my beliefs. I will not post
again on this matter.

Respectfully, Anne Andrianos



I very much respect and appreciate your viewpoint, and I hope you are
understanding where I am coming from. Thank you.

Best regards,  and Peace to all.

Kathleen


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