Susan referred to a mom, active in LLL, who refused her help with
breastfeeding, due to her belief that hospitals usually do harm with
breastfeeding.

Yes, I agree that it is a shame when mothers feel they must be on the
defensive from the beginning.  As I said in my previous post, when I gave
birth the 3rd time I felt empowered by my strongly-worded birth plan, my
doulas and the knowledge that I had successfully breastfed my first two
children.  I was curious to see what breastfeeding advice and support I
would get since one of my doulas had mentioned to a nurse that I am a LLL
leader and this had been noted on my chart.  Well, the nurses were wonderful
all around.  They were all very supportive and some even stopped by just to
chat about breastfeeding, exchanging breastfeeding stories, etc.  My night
nurse was a retired LLLL and that was great.  I had two very young nurses
who said they couldn't wait to have children...so they could breastfeed!
Yippee!

I think we can all work together to get breastfeeding going and I know that
you, Susan, understand that LLL doesn't teach moms that hospitals will
undermine their breastfeeding.  It is a shame the mother you mentioned had
that impression.  And I am sorry she was not able to benefit from your
knowledge and experience.

Sara Dodder Furr, breastfeeding advocate and volunteer
Lincoln, Nebraska

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