Thank you to all who answered my frustration about zealotry. Of course no
one makes a big deal out of a nurse stressing the need for car seats, or
stressing the importance of NOT smoking, or the importance of not using
street drugs when pregnant, or whatever. Breastfeeding receives much harsher
criticism, especially the bearer of the "news/info."

I believe that breastfeeding is somehow different. By addressing it, we
address the personal lives of everyone that is connected with the situation,
the nurse in the nursery who didn't bf, and now grudgingly helps moms...or
worse, sabotages them. The mother who may or may not want to put out what it
takes to get bf going, especially in light of the horrendous interference
and ignorance that occurs by the so-called "professionals."

Breastfeeding is a loaded issue...it is a woman's issue, an issue of
personal power and strength, and it is intimately tied to our own self-worth
and the self-esteem of those we work with and try to assist in the
professional place.

I thank you all for validating my frustration and feelings of self-doubt.
You all say that if the "list mother" has these problems, then you don't
feel so alone. WELL, the opposite is true as well.

Remember...I am an LC like the rest of you...in private practice, in
pediatric office practice, in the hospital occasionally through the
pediatric practice...and on-line LC as well. I am in the trenches with you
all, trying to figure out what this is such a LOADED, emotionally-charged
issue.

Warm thoughts to you all. Kathleen

Kathleen B. Bruce, BSN, IBCLC co-owner Lactnet,TLC, Indep. Consultant
Williston, Vermont
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