to peaches

I've thought a lot about how to promote breastfeeding and not "turn the
mother off."  The way I see it, we don't have to apologize for promoting the
healthiest way to feed a baby. This is honorable work.  However, we must be
sure that the mother feels we care for her and love her.  We must do all we
can to help her fit breastfeeding into her lfestyle.  Even a few days of
nursing, if it is a positive experience for the mother, is worth supporting.
 I deal mainly with WIC moms who have an awful lot on their minds; sometimes
not knowing where they will be sleeping that night.  Letting them know we
care and are willing to help them succeed at whatever choice they make after
we have tried to address all their concerns will bring them back and will
encourage them to tell others about how supportive we are.  I also tell
myself that not everyone I speak with will choose to breastfeed.  The goal is
75%.  You might remind the health professionals that they promote other
health choices, such as not smoking and drinking while pregnant, and don't
seem to worry that they will make a mother feel guilty.  All adults deserve
the information needed to make an informed decision.  Censoring the
information we deliver in an effort to help a person avoid a difficult
decision is paternalistic I think.

Hope this helps

Ann T. who is writing for the first time.