Good discussion, everyone, on the terminology we use.
So far, 'direct' and 'indirect' sound least judgmental to me, thanks very
much Jean Cotterman!

At the same time, I feel sure that no one working with breastfeeding dyads
would fail to distinguish between mothers giving their own expressed milk of
necessity and those doing it because they don't wish to suckle a baby at
their own breast.  It would affect my approach, certainly, though I would be
equally dedicated in each case, to supporting the baby's access to the best
food possible.

I refuse to call myself judgmental for knowing that getting the milk fresh,
straight from the tap, with no intermediate stops along the way, is the
standard against which all other methods are measured.  In convenience,
quality, environmental friendliness, nutrition, and probably development, it
IS better for both parties.

Maybe I need to really accept that the obstacles to direct breastfeeding are
equally real whether they are anatomic and in the baby, or mental and in the
mother.  I admit I am struggling with that one.  Chalk it up to my somatic
frame of reference, along with my own immense (HUGE) laziness, which
dictates my motto: why do it standing if you can do it sitting, and why sit
up if you can lie down?

What we call it when talking to mothers is important, and it's important not
to alienate them.  Like it or not, we do judge others, and the best we can
hope for is to stay aware of what our own biases are.

Rachel Myr
queen of entropy
Kristiansand, Norway

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