I have had the honor/privilege of living not only in a number of states
(all in the West, Texas is the furthest East I've ever lived in the USA),
but in Guam and Germany as well.  While in Europe I had the pleasure of
meeting LLLeaders from all over Europe at division conferences.  Met
mothers and babies/children from Ireland, Britain, Netherlands,
Switzerland, Greece, Italy, France and more.  Most but not all spoke
English.  I observed that children can communicate no matter what the
language in play, and that the language of breastfeeding, with babies or
toddlers 'asking' for the breast, switching sides, mothers seeking to
distract at times, is universal.  We communicated better with one another
no matter what the country of origin than with those in our own countries
who were not into breastfeeding.  Our concerns too appeared to me to be
universal - concerns that were brought up were concerns that were echoed
in all the various countries represented.  When we did run into a
language problem there was always someone there who could interpret for
us or 'fix it' with nodding of heads all around the room.  At one
conference it was a joy to share a few bottles of German wine with a room
stuffed full of mothers - most of whom were no longer nursing, those with
nurselings had long gone to bed, and to see how universal our true
feelings were, as we shared issues in parenting 'older' children, etc.

On the other hand, an article I wrote in 1985, is still floating around
in various english speaking LLL vehicles, it was entitled "I've been to
Hawaii- Twice!" and shares how innocently we can be deceived in our
native language, as I go on to share how, indeed, I have been to Hawaii
twice - on my way to and from Guam, the first time my 9 mo old was asleep
so all I saw was what I could see of the airport out of the window, and
the 2nd time, the same child at 2 1/2 y/o had just potty-trained herself
so I was eager to take her to the bathroom and then at least get to the
front  of the airport to see a palm tree, but my daughter urgently
informed me she had to 'hiccup' and then proceeded to vomit all over the
place in the bathroom, and we just made the plane on time - they
literally had to open the door for us!  So when I say I've been to Hawaii
- Twice!, it is not what most people are thinking of!

So from my limited experience I would say that communication can be a
problem no matter what the language or country of origin and I am
delighted to be able to share thoughts and experiences with those
involved in lactation around the world.

Just my 2 cents worth,

Katherine Catone, LLLL, IBCLC
currently down in south Texas - Kingsville, Tx - home of the King Ranch