I have an interesting perspective on support groups at this point in my life
with a new baby on the way, the last being born 15 years ago prior to
becoming a lactation consultant.
I have many casual friends/neighbors outside of work who have had babies in
the last few years and while pregnant spouted the "of course we will
breastfeed" rhetoric and NOT ONE was successful at maintaining breastfeeding
for more than a few weeks. The same with many  family members who I have
limited contact with. I feel like that is the "real world". The percentage of
mothers who we work with and continue to breastfeed speaks to the value of
our efforts.
With this pregnancy, I have experience first hand the fact that marketing has
gotten even more pervasive- even after taking pains to limit my contact. My
husband went to pick up a package with postage due and it was my free case of
Similac!! He left it there and he is not the Quiet one. The pediatrician we
choose, who happens to be one of the more breastfeeding friendly ones in
town, gave us a gift pack completely filled with formula and their marketing
and a cute changing pad. We left that too- taking only the pediatricians
booklet- which of course was printed by the formula company. Everyone looks
at US like WE are CRAZY when we do things like that!!
I still feel a need to be around my even smaller circle of retired LLL
friends  just as a breath of fresh air - I dont have to explain anything
about my philosophy on feeding or parenting my soon to be here baby. I can't
imagine most of the new mothers I work with fighting against the cultural
norm with out having some contact with mothers who have made different
choices such as no bottles or co sleeping that have made breastfeeding EASIER
and a part of their life. There will always be a few mothers who have
negative experiences but to go into a group of women who are all
breastfeeding is a rare thing in our culture and a very powerful force.
Debra Kearney IBCLC
Seminole County WIC

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