I also heard Chloe Fisher speak, two years ago. She made a point that hasn't
been picked up on here, I don't think. She said the parents are confused
about nipples. I started explaining to parents awhile ago that bottles are a
culturally "loaded" object for us. They mean a lot more than an alternate
method to feed a baby, used in some circumstances: probably most of us who
work as LCs think of them this way.  For new parents a bottle represents
freedom, normality, joining the parent club. For a baby it's just another
way to feed.
La Leche League materials (I am a League Leader as well as LC) tend to
emphasize nipple confusion. They are mostly dealing with social support, in
groups and on the phone, so perhaps it is important that they emphasize this
aspect of feeding. League models taking care of babies without bottles; this
is rare, and it is an important role for Leaders.
New parents tend to see everything in a very extreme, black and white way.
The importance of the bottle is exaggerated further by the postpartum
mindset. When we work with parents, we need to be the voice of reason, and
of course we need to listen very carefully.
This could easily become an endless topic; I bet the archives are full on
this one!
Kate Sharp
LC in NYC
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