Ruth Sweet's case of the parents who wanted to do everything "just right"
came at just the right time for me. I am writing a "Lactation Update" about
support groups for our Community Breastfeeding Coalition.  I like the term,
Tribal Support (although I won't be using those words in the information
sheet). A lactation consultant is often a general purpose counselor. I work
as a staff nurse/lactation consultant. The staff at our hospital will call me
at home to return a call to a family. Sometimes, it is a technical
brestfeeding problem. More often, it is mainly support. The biggest help to
me as a new mom was my next door neighbor, who we call Granny. I try to pass
along the support she gave to me. Since we live in a university town, I have
sometimes filled the role of "Grandma" for families away from their homes. I
give some of these moms my home number. It has never been extremely
long-term, although my family has been very supportive of me being on the
telephone or leaving the house to go see someone at the hospital. My husband
is pretty good at providing information and support.

Anyway, thanks for sharing your case, Ruth.

Becky Engel
Athens, GA