Cathy says: 'Also, "lactation" is a broader concept than "breastfeeding" -
it includes connotations of knowledge about the anatomy and physiology and
biochemistry of milk production, not just helpful advice about how-to.'

Hmmmmmmm....


Surely *breastfeeding* is the inclusive word and broader concept - it can
mean as much as you like, including the anatomy, physiology, biochemistry
and all that stuff,  *and* the relationship and social and woman and baby
stuff. Lactation  - being a medical, scientific  'ology'  sort of a word -
tends to come front-loaded with the physical side only...or is that just my
ear?

In my day job (journalist, writer) I sometimes edit or re-write health and
health promotion materials targetted at consumers, and occasionally do bf
stuff. Nothing makes me cringe more than a phrase like 'after you have
delivered, a midwife will help you establish lactation.' Very
mother-friendly - not.

I don't have any major quibbles with the term 'lactation consultant' in
fact,  as I think we need differentiating terms for the different roles,
and it would be too late and too confusing to change now!  But
lactation/lactate is not the word to describe *fully*  what women actually
do....

Heather Welford Neil
NCT bfc Newastle upon Tyne