I have only contributed a few times to Lactnet, so I shall reintroduce
myself.  I am an Australian (NMAA) Trainee Breastfeeding Counsellor who
has spent the last 15 months in England.  While in the UK I have joined
the NCT (National Childbirth Trust) and met a few of their breastfeeding
counsellors and attended the odd coffee morning.  I also took the
opportunity to contact the local Breastfeeding tutor who allowed me to
sit in on some of her sessions so that I could practice counselling
skills and keep in contact with other trainees.  The other thing that
has helped keep me focused on my training has been Lactnet (and getting
into Usenet flame wars - but that's another story)
I have found the information on Lactnet invaluable, particularly the
lists of references that get posted from time to time; and the
camaraderie exceptional (I was going to name individuals who I found to
be particularly inspiring, but it started to look like a list of "review
lactnet by name")  You are all wonderful and have helped me considerably
to keep up my assignments and keep my spirits high when I have been
criticised for feeding a (now) 29 month old in public - which I do a
lot.  When we arrived, Nicholas was 15 months and although not common,
it was not exceptional in Aust. to see a babe of his age being
breastfed, but here it was almost scandalous!  My friend told me a
couple of months ago that I had shocked quite a few people, "but you
make it look so natural" :-D

So why adieu?  We are returning home (to Adelaide, South Aust) on 13th
January, and the computer will be packed up by the 9th.  We will need
some time to find an Australian provider and then I will be back.

BTW I had a telephone conversation some months ago with the Sales
Manager of Cow & Gate regarding their TV and magazine ads for follow on
formula (for 6months+)  I had just finished reading Gabrielle Palmer
"The politics of Breastfeeding" so I was well primed when I felt a need
to complain about their campaign.  Didn't they feel it was in breach of
the WHO Code (UK is NOT a signatory) to advertise formula for a 6 month
old?  His answer was "NO" Because some 70% of UK mums give whole milk to
their infants under 12 months.  He told me about the ethics of their
company - I told him some of the history of his company (as quoted in
Palmer)  I did find it interesting when he gave me some data about the
number of his employees that breastfeed - sure they make the stuff - but
do they feed it to their own children? - no way!!!!!

I'll keep lurking for a few days, but after that I'll have to go into
lactnet withdrawal for a couple of months. Farewell

Carmel
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| Carmel Barber    EMail [log in to unmask]
Dost thou not see my baby at my breast,  That sucks the nurse asleep?
William Shakespeare  1564-1616
Antony and Cleopatra [1606-1607],Act: V, Scene: ii, Line: 311
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