Dear Fellow Lactneters,
I not feel that sticks ever really work. Mothers need to feel the desire 
to change their behavior and then know what they might try to get the 
outcome they desire. Sticks, threats, shaming, create distance between 
the care giver and the client AND dis-empower the client. I truly 
believe that the mothers want to do what is best for their babies. I 
believe mothers and babies should always be treated with kindness and 
respect. I have been using Motivational Interviewing (MI) with my 
clients for about 4 years. This method (philosophy?) incorporates both 
of these things. For those of you that have a LLL background like 
myself, MI is our communication skills on steroids. What I have found 
using this method is my clients trust me, listen to me, help create 
plans with me that will move themselves forward, and are in general very 
successful. I am no miracle worker but these mothers will call me 
prenatally for their next baby even if they didn't reach their final 
breatfeeding goals. So they felt cared for by me which I think is crucial.
When we tell someone what they are doing is wrong they tend to dig in 
their heals and feel the need to defend their position.
I am hoping more health care workers will start to use MI. I think they 
will find great success.
It is also easier and more fun to use then telling people what to do!
Warmly,

-- 

Barbara Robertson, MA, IBCLC, RLC
The Breastfeeding Center of Ann Arbor
bfcaa.com

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