I relate to Patricia`s story of being discouraged by her mother to 
breastfeed because of her own negative experiences.  For many years I 
dreaded those militant grannies sitting in on my home visits, quick to tell 
me that they couldn`t breastfeed (no milk, pain, baby didn`t like it etc). 
And my poor client, postpartum sensitive, having to listen to her mother 
whom she loves reinforcing that it won`t work for her either.
Rather than sending granny out of the room, I would include her in the 
session, suggesting how she could support her daughter/daughter-in-law.
To my joy after working so many years in the Haifa area, I am now getting 
second-generation couples coming to my prenatal courses and calling me for 
breastfeeding counselling.
"My mum still has the handouts you gave her....."
"My mum said you helped her breastfeed me when she nearly gave up...."
it is so wonderful to pay that home visit and get a hug from a proud granny 
who was one of my clients 25-35 years ago.
Alas there are still many older women who still feel bitter and guilty about 
their negative breastfeeding experiences.  I have tried unsuccessfully to 
start a "grandparenting support group" in one of our local community centres 
but somehow it hasn`t caught on.  I wanted to facilitate a group that would 
focus on the many issues of grandparenting and the conflicts associated with 
trying to support but not interfere, a very narrow path.
Wendy Blumfield
NCT UK Prenatal Tutor Teacher/Breastfeeding Counsellor 

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