Hello! I've been lurking for a week, feeling very humble and under qualified to be among all of you. This is an incredible resource for those interested in counseling others in lactation. I was recently trained (Nov. 96) as a WIC breastfeeding peer counselor in Gainesville, FL. It has proved very rewarding to help others, even with my limited training and knowledge. I am also finishing up my B.A. in Anthropology (cultural/medical) with minors in Secondary Education and Women's Studies at UF. My focus, since my daughter's birth 15 months ago, has been natural childbirth and of course breastfeeding. I even wrote a paper entitled "Empowerment thru Breastfeeding". It focuses a lot on Dr. Dettwyler's work about underlying beliefs. My friend, Heidi Murphy posted/linked it to her home page, it is available at <http://grove.ufl.edu/~heidilc1/crisbf.htm>. I had thought about trying to publish it in a lay magazine like "Mothering", etc. I'm in the process of revising it, but all are welcome to read it to get revived as to why we do this, and send me your comments. I don't really mean this in a self-serving way, but it got me pumped up doing the research. I have been very active with our local LLL group and am now a Leader applicant. When I finish this degree, I would like to pursue becoming a Childbirth Educator and a LC. I have been through Bradley classes and ICEA (I think) classes, but have been recommended BirthWorks as more centered on the woman herself and her natural abilities, rather than a particular coach. I loved the stress on relaxation by Bradley classes. My daughter's birth went very well (14 hour labor). I attribute this to being able to relax. I also want to share the joys (and secrets) of natural, informed, prepared childbirth with others. Anyone know where I could find out more about BirthWorks? I would also like to know what is the best way for me to go about preparing to become an IBCLC. Please e-mail me privately, if you feel it necessary. I also wanted to respond to the question of greens and allergic babies. In my limited experience, I know of one mom to whom both babies with highly allergic in infancy. The babies would have a "colicky" period 24 hours after she ate the offending food like cabbage, peanuts, whey, etc. Her diet sounded very similar to what you described, mostly chicken/turkey and very little to none in the way of vegies, even though she had been a vegetarian. When the infants got older she would slowly reintroduce the food when the system had matured. As toddlers, they seem to have no more problems. I'm sure that others are more knowledgable, though. Just thought you might want an example. I'm sorry this has turned out to be so long. I did want to share before I go 'nomail' during the semester , I'm having trouble keeping up with my studies with all this mail! Thank you all for your wealth of knowledge and please excuse my "noviceness" both here and in my computer knowledge. ************************************************************************ Cristina Cabezas Eury, mama to bfing Sofia Jade (7 May 96) wife to Wayne (Tag) since 1 August 1993 e-mail: [log in to unmask] www.geocities.com/RainForest/Vines/5591(new)