I recently (2 years - time flies when you're having fun!) moved into
California, and in order to find a job, went to various Breastfeeding Task
Forces.  

I did get a job, working for the Department of Public Health - and I want
to urge those of you who are interested in this type of work, to consider
it very seriously!  I met people who were convinced that breastfeeding WAS
an important part of Public Health - I didn't have to "kill" myself working
on that - I also met 3 women (just like in Puerto Rico) who were willing to
work together with their own jobs (Maternal and Child Health, Women,
Infants and Children, and Public Health Nursing), to coordinate
breastfeeding education of their staff and support of breastfeeding with
the moms they served.  

Just yesterday we were meeting with an impressive group of people who is
working on writing a grant - and when the coordinator asked the question
"well, is breastfeeding an indicator we want to pursue" - I was soooo
thrilled to be the one who stayed quiet...(after all, they know MY
feelings) and hear the STRONG voices in favor of this!

When breastfeeding is used as an indicator by departments of Public Health,
Hospitals, Insurance companies, etc - then they are willing to spend money
working on it!  

Those of you who "can't stand" going to meetings...think about it! 
Sometimes your presence, and the information you can provide repeatedly can
make more of a difference to the "population" than the moms you could have
seen during that same time.  

I know - it may not seem as fulfilling as seeing a baby "get it"...but I
must say, I had tears in my eyes during this meeting, also - everyone was
"getting it"!

Jeanette Panchula, BSW, RN, IBCLC
Vacaville, CA

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