In terms of general information, this series of offerings has  brought out very
clearly how we must use the "shotgun" method of delivering our message.  Some
learned of bf through friends, some through books, some through relatives, some
through health care professionals...  Our marketing strategy must reach all
sorts of directions.  There are many of us - and I've heard many "rules" in the
past about "how to teach a class - to pregnant, or students, or children, or
professionals..." Well, whichever way works for you - DO IT (and I do mean to
shout!).  Don't be hesitant because it didn't work for someone - or the methods
you've seen used aren't "you".  Find a method that works for you and enjoy!  If
your audience thinks you're enjoying yourself and really "believe" in what
you're saying, the style is secondary (just don't put them to sleep!).

As for why I decided to breastfeed - I was the typical young college student -
(1966- Michigan State University) the book I read on Family Life (a course I
took related to Social Work)  said that breastfeeding was best, and I believed
it.  I also read that there was such a group called "La Leche League" which
helped women breastfeed.  As the Spanish word easily stuck in my Puerto Rican
mind, when I read, two years later, a newlywed  (1968) and in St. Louis,
Missouri, that there was a nearby La Leche League group, I wrote down the
Leader's number.  In 1971, the day I found out I was pregnant, I called that
number.  The nice lady on the other end of the line was very kind and told me
she'd love to have me at the meetings and would call me back later - but she
needed to go as she'd just come home with her new baby.  I innocently asked "Oh,
how many children do you have?" And she replied "This is my Eleventh." Well, I
figured this was the person to speak to about breastfeeding.  And what a group
it was!  Verna Gremaude went on to have 13 children and is the longest
continually-active Leader of LLLI.  Faye Young, her co-Leader was also an
inspiration, later taking on the Publicity portion of LLLI for many years - and
she still keeps us in stitches.

But everything was not perfect - I needed their continual support through a
terrible case of Jaundice (no, we never weaned) sore nipples  and Colic (why
does the baby stop crying when Verna holds him and cries when I do?).  But they
were the source of my newfound style of parenting - not the "behaviorist style"
I had learned in college - but the kinder, gentler mom I wanted to be.  I still
reverted to the "other" style when faced with a new challenge - but when reason
prevailed I'd get back "in tune" with my kids.  Breastfeeding changes us in ways
we have no way of measuring or foretelling.

Jeanette Panchula, BA-SW, LLLL, IBCLC, RN
Puerto Rico - where it's raining but who cares - I get to spend Christmas with
ALL our kids in Iowa   where Alex will be graduating from Iowa State University
on the 21st - I'll be leaving (and going no-mail) on the 19th.  Merry Christmas
everyone!
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