Dear JoAnn,

The neonatologists and nurses at our local hospital's NICU believe strongly
in the value of a mother's milk for her premature baby, but there is a
seemingly impenetrable barrier concerning the issue of bottles before
breastfeeding.  The hospital refers many mothers to me for pump rentals and I
find  it very difficult to empower these mothers.  They are in such a
vulnerable position.  Their babies would not have survived in the natural
course of things, so they have accepted the need for intervention.  Those who
have saved their babies' lives are authority figures and parents are beholden
to them.  I want to tell these mothers the truth,  but I realize that they
may reject what I say or be powerless to act upon it.  I focus on giving the
mother facts rather than opinions (she will form her own) and on telling her
what I can do to help her.  I am often angry that the fear of antagonising
makes ME powerless. What suggestions do others have for educating those who
should know better?