I think about how the doctors at my facility dress and try to hit that note.


We are West Coast Relaxed, plus I feel compromised by clothing which is
harmful or impractical, so that means I do not own nylons, shoes with heels,
or makeup. I wear my white coat with my name embroidered in large letters to
the door, and take it off if I start to get hot and sweaty working with the
bf dyad. Most people here prefer visitors remove their shoes at the door.

In a related matter, I did purchase a tube of bright red lipstick when I was
working on a grant to drop in on employers and make sure they understood
California State Labor Law with respect to breastfeeding women. In my
informal study, I found my in-the-door acceptance rating much higher when
wearing the lipstick. 

Of course, once I start talking to the managers/owners, I find ways to be
very convincing and prove I am there to benefit the business and employee,
as well as the community. But that in-the-door acceptance is important in
quickly converting a potentially hostile reception into a warm welcome.

How people can equate something so trivial and pointless as paint on the
lips with authority, I cannot say, but for the population I was working
with, it was quite effective. I try not to think about this too much, so I
can remain cheerful and optimistic about our growth as a people, and avoid
gloomy conclusions about my society. Also, luckily, I was on the side of the
lipstick where I didn't have to see it.


Arly Helm, MS, IBCLC

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