>Carol,
><< and famous breastfeeding support groups "aren't allowed" to dis formula, so
>  why should moms think it is bad?  >>
>     I think there is a difference between DISing formula, or alternately
>stating the risks of its use in relation to the physiologic norm, and DISing
>formula feeding moms.


NCT's approach is the same - though there is a tension here, as Judy
describes. We are certainly 'allowed' to give the facts about
formula. We are also expected to be sensitive to the individual
situations of the mothers who contact us, and to the variety of
experiences and attitudes among mothers in a class. In the last few
years I have felt fine about talking frankly about the risks of
formula, and indeed sometimes lead a discussion about why this is a
more accurate way of stating differences than focussing on 'the
benefits' of breastfeeding...which is what they hear and read
everywhere else.

Mothers come to us for information and support, and we support them
in their parenting and do not judge them *whatever their feeding
situation*...precisely because we know the social and emotional
context in which feeding takes place.

>We can support their mothering without supporting
>AIMfeeding, but Heaven knows it's one of the hardest and trickiest parts of
>counseling...


Yes, Judy, you're right. As time goes on, I find it less hard...once
it's sorted in your head and you gain in confidence, there's not a
conflict.

Our training makes sure I as a tutor training would-be breastfeeding
counsellors get my trainees to really know the negatives of formula,
to understand why some mothers still choose it, and to help the
trainees get their heads round it. Some of the written and oral work
in training focuses on this very thing - and helps trainees know the
difference between campaigning and individual counselling. However,
unlike LLL  in the US (I believe) we are 'allowed' to campaign as
individuals and as an organisation. LLL (GB) does, I think, campaign,
and certainly individual LLL leaders I have known support
Breastfeeding Week, held every year in May in the UK.

Heather Welford Neil
NCT bfc Newcastle upon Tyne UK

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