Judy - Sorry to hear about your experience with the noisy toddler at the LLL conference in Israel. LLL conferences often divide their sessions between very basic "mom" sessions, which are often full of babies and toddlers, and more professional sessions which are designed for LLL leaders, LCs and other health professionals. These professional panels also offer Continuing Education Units (CEUs). At these panels it is stated quite clearly that "only quiet babies in arms" (under 6 mos) may attend. You were right that the conference monitor should have asked the mom to attend to her baby's needs outside the room. It is frustrating to be a mom who wants to attend a panel and have a noisy toddler to take care of, but as a parent we often need to put the needs of our babies before our own desires. It is unfair to others in the room - health professionals or LCs with older children - to struggle to hear a speaker. Sometimes attendees have had to make elaborate child care arrangements to attend a conference and then can't hear because of other peoples babies! I do believe that small babies certainly should be allowed to attend with their moms, or older babies and toddlers can be nearby with dad or a sitter to be nursed during breaks and lunch. That hospital group that wouldn't let one of us Lactnetters go to the lunchroom with her baby and sitter was WAY out of line. But those of us with small children have a responsibility to others to ensure that our children are not disruptive. (My father used to say to us "No loud noises or quick motions in public places!") :-) Cynthia D. Payne