LLL has always been considered revolutionary, I think, precisely because
it often seemed politically INcorrect.  However, at LLL meetings you
usually hear the old refrains "you will hear a variety of opinions" and
"take what will work for you and your family and leave the rest".
What I find frustrating as a LLL Leader is not only that I frequently
come up against an opinion of LLL as doctrinaire, but that that opinion
may be directed at me, personally, by a person who doesn't even know me.
Heck, I remember saying myself, when my son was an infant, that I
wouldn't go to LLL for help because I heard they were militant!
Cathy, you talk about LLL as having a strong philosophical/ideological
position that alienates, but I wonder if people are really looking at
and considering that position.  I bet there aren't all that many on
Lactnet who would disagree much with any of those ten LLL concepts.
What's alientating about them, what's hard to swallow?
The other thing is that all kinds of women are LLL Leaders--quiet ones,
outspoken ones, impulsive ones, compulsive ones, thoughtful ones, and
bashful ones.  Each one communicates in her own way and each one
embraces and expresses LLL philosophy in her own unique way.  If it's
zeal for breastfeeding that motivates LLL Leaders, it's not innate, it
was won the hard way just like your well-intentioned mom with the
miserable baby at 2 am, just like her.
Cathy, your description of your experience as a new mother is so
powerfully evocative.  I am 100% in agreement with you about what works
is commitment, knowledge, and experience to share and I don't think you
are bashing LLL.  What you are saying is worth hearing and worth talking
about.

Diane, LLLL from Vermont