I wanted to comment on the thread re smokers and BF.  I function as a
Childbirth Educator, Lactation Consultant, and Certified Hypnotherapist.  In
these three areas I see the smokers too, and could easily get really angry
(and have) at the pregnant and nursing women (and don't forget their often
smoking spouses).  But...after doing many hypnosis stop smoking programs,
(for pregnant and non-pregnant alike), I have learned a great deal about the
true physiological, psychological, social, and emotional trauma these people
go through with this addictive terrible habit. I am a non-smoker, but lived
with a smoker, my husband, who died ten  years ago of cancer at a very young
age, and I was as close as one could get without actually smoking. I hate
smoking for all the reasons you all know.

My point is:  I became much more understanding of all the issues stated above
that smokers deal with, and no more do I get angry.  Instead, I use positive
suggestions,reinforcement,information...whatever, to hopefully "get through"
to anyone who smokes and is interested in considering quitting...but
especially to the pregnant and lactating ones whose precious little one is
unable say no.

Linda Pincus, RN, BS, FACCE, IBCLC, CH