Pat said:
It takes a villiage and we have different areas in which we promote and
support
breastfeeding best.  The important thing is we continue to promote, support
and protect in whatever way we do it best.  Most of us would not be
involved
in this cause and breastfeeding would not be where it is today in the US
without the work of LLL.

This is so true in my case - this week my firstborn turned 30 - that's 30+
years of exposure to La Leche League for me...

...I was a mom that needed to learn baby's needs, cues, etc. - LLLLeaders
taught me
...I became a Leader applicant and needed to learn mom's needs, cues, etc.
- LLLLeaders taught me
...I got involved in Spanish translations and the needs of other
countries/cultures - LLLLeaders taught me
...I became an IBCLC - I learned other ways of working with moms whose
priorities were different from mine...but what I learned from LLL always is
with me
...I became an RN - I learned how to deal with other professionals, how to
work with them and how to deal with THEIR priorities, even though they are
not mine - again, LLL helped, offering professionals opportunities I could
point to and encourage their reading the material they have.
...Now I am in Public Health  -  and YES I advocate - long and hard - in
many small ways - whether trying to get bottles and formula ads out of
handouts or repeatedly mentioning the importance of breastfeeding in any
committee meeting I go to - whether one of the insurance company's, a
school, a prenatal program, an anti drug program.  But this does not mean
LLL is not "with" me - I just adjust the message to the person/group
receiving it just as I do when working with moms.  In this way, they are
more willing to listen - and accept the positions I advocate for (allowing
moms rooming in, getting pumps to low-income moms whose babies are
hospitalized, etc.).

I am also a LLL Leader - and when I am in the group meeting I am still
"just" a Leader.  It's my "fill-up" because it is there that my soul and
spirit is renewed to continue my advocacy.


Jeanette Panchula, BSW, RN, PHN, IBCLC
Vacaville, CA

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