I've been trying to figure out why we feel we need to ask permission to handle
mom's breasts to help with breastfeeding when, if we were, for instance, going
to examine her breasts, we would just say something like "I need to check your
breasts"; and we don't ask permission to do a vag. exam in labor, check
perineum postpartum, etc. - a more personal area, it seems to me.  Rather, we
explain what we need to do and why.  I'm not saying we shouldn't, just
wondering why it's different.  Maybe because our role as LCs is less clearly
defined and less recognized than that of a nurse or doctor?  Or because
helping with breastfeeding, even as a nurse, seems - or is perceived - as a
less legitimate health need?  Miriam