Jean writes:
 I'm not
totally comfortable with making unprovoked negative comments to the mother.
Although it may appear that a mother has all the resources and supports they
need to successfully breastfeed, often we don't know what's going on behind
the scenes, what spoken/unspoken messages she's getting from her partner,
family, in-laws, etc.  And we don't exactly live in a breastfeeding culture
here in North America.

yes I certainly can see your point and that is probably why I haven't to
date made 'negative comments'.  But... is saying 'Oh what a shame' a
negative comment?  Perhaps if the mother has had all the best or worst of HP
input and is now bottlefeeding despite or because of it, that comment is
actually one of sympathy.  If it's because of the 'behind the scenes'
messages she's been getting maybe that comment will be seen by her as being
someone who would support for breastfeeding (ie what she wanted to do) and
she may attempt it feeling not entirely alone. And if she never had any
intention of doing such a thing she'll probably see you/me as a weirdo
zealot who doesn't warrant talking to any more, which she probably wouldn't
have anyway - not being our 'type' of person.  Just some thoughts.
PS:  those of you receiving digests - how do you get the > sign to appear
when you're quoting from someones post? - other than replying to the whole
digest and deleting all the other posts...

Denise IBCLC
in Brisbane, Aus