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Lactation Information and Discussion

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Subject:
From:
"Jeanette F. Panchula" <[log in to unmask]>
Reply To:
Lactation Information and Discussion <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Fri, 6 Aug 1999 09:45:50 -0400
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Having just read the post of the negative reaction in the radio station, I
thought I'd bring up a "good" one to balance it!

I have been giving breastfeeding education to eligibility workers in the
CalWorks (new name for Welfare or AFDC) program here.  They are NOT going
to be helping moms breastfeed, but the supervisors decided that as we want
moms to breastfeed, EVERYONE needs to be informed about breastfeeding. When
I introduce our program to them (as they are wondering why in the world
they are there) I explain we want everyone "singing the same song".

 We teach:
 the benefits of breast milk, 
the risks of formula feeding, 
the history of why we have gotten to where we are today and our current
breastfeeding levels, 
the Myths (using much of Dr. Newman's lists) of breastfeeding, 
some simple anatomy and Physiology (I always preface it with the fact that
"adult education theory" always teaches us to address the "why" and not
just the "what"
How moms can maintain breastfeeding even when working (due to the new
welfare to work laws, they have little option of staying home)
We continually ask them to refer moms with questions to the WIC
nutritionists assigned to their program who have been trained in
breastfeeding education and assistance.

One of the persons attending was a man in his 50's who seemed negative at
first, but in the end seemed to have accepted our "indoctrination" 
However, he did state (and I took it as a complement that he felt it was
"safe" to bring this up) that he was uncomfortable when a woman completely
bared herself to breastfeed her baby while he was interviewing her.  

I acknowledged that his discomfort was understandable, given his own life
experience,   however as California has a law that permits mothers to
breastfeed anywhere, he could not ask her to go somewhere else to
breastfeed. 

I brought this up to the supervisor and also to others in the agency to
hear their reactions.  And was very pleased to hear them say he would "have
to get over it".  Breastfeeding IS normal THEY TOLD ME - and people are
just going to have to learn to cope!

Jeanette Panchula, BSW, RN, IBCLC
Vacaville, CA
mailto:[log in to unmask]

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