Indeed Norma. And I would think that anyone who objected to a baby being around because it was "distracting" or "annoying" perhaps is not well suited to being a lactation consultant. I recall overhearing a family and child health nurse complain at a seminar about the presence of young children along the lines of "we have to be around children all day at work and then here as well- sheesh"- I think that this woman had a problem with her career choice. As to the discussion around women in the military, many of us outside of the US just can't get the justification of barbaric practices. It's like looking at traditions in other times or places that sanctioned rape within marriage and saying "suck it up, you chose it- that's how it is." It just seems inconceivable. Karleen Gribble Australia -----Original Message----- From: Lactation Information and Discussion [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Norma Ritter Sent: Friday, 28 May 2010 1:20 AM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: [LACTNET] IBLCE exam and breastfeeding I find it interesting that the public perception of breastfeeding is that it is not a normal activity but a *special circumstance.* I find it even more interesting that this perception seems to be true even of the IBLCE, the examining body of lactation consultants. If our profession does not recognise the normality of a woman breastfeeding, how can we expect others to do so? This applies not only to sitting for exams, but also to conference attendance. Nursing mothers are effectively excluded from attending many breastfeeding conferences because their non-separating children are not welcomed. The argument is that *We paid good money for this conference and do not want to be distracted by babies.* Am I the only one who sees the irony in that? Norma Ritter, IBCLC, RLC Breastfeeding Matters in the Capital Region www.NormaRitter.com Join us on Facebook for the latest birthing and breastfeeding news and views: http://tinyurl.com/BMCRonFB *********************************************** Archives: http://community.lsoft.com/archives/LACTNET.html To reach list owners: [log in to unmask] Mail all list management commands to: [log in to unmask] COMMANDS: 1. To temporarily stop your subscription write in the body of an email: set lactnet nomail 2. To start it again: set lactnet mail 3. To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet 4. To get a comprehensive list of rules and directions: get lactnet welcome *********************************************** Archives: http://community.lsoft.com/archives/LACTNET.html To reach list owners: [log in to unmask] Mail all list management commands to: [log in to unmask] COMMANDS: 1. To temporarily stop your subscription write in the body of an email: set lactnet nomail 2. To start it again: set lactnet mail 3. To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet 4. To get a comprehensive list of rules and directions: get lactnet welcome