Dear Carol B and Lactnetters: Don't be intimidated by the term "Marketing." Think of it more as advocating for moms and babies. With the release of the AAP's statement, we have an ideal time to get back into advocating. Here is all the endorsement you need -- the AAP covers it all! LC services, Pumps (as medically needed), support groups, etc. <insurance companies are waiting for more statistical evidence. they won't go for any kind of policy change based on what they perceive to be anecdotal evidence.> True, but PATIENT SATISFACTION is important as well (for hospitals and health care providers, too). Anecdotes are data. As you counsel moms, create space in your log to cost out your services. If you are a private-practice LC, I should think you're already tracking this data (since this is your income). Are you doing follow-up with these moms? If your counseling intervention helped this mom to bf longer and/or more exclusively, then you have helped that client move towards acheiving optimal health behaviors. Document this! Your service has just helped this client reduce risk. And the more data you collect, the better you will be able to generate "statistics." In my experience, sometimes it is one good contact in the right place to make things happen. If you're not doing it already, start now, in the holiday season, talking your work with breastfeeding at all of those cocktail parties, etc. Become a 'voice' for the issue (but don't ram it down people's throats, either). You might catch the ear of someone who can help you make a connection. You might also get more calls to your practice or institution. You might sow the seeds for a corporate program. You are giving a voice and a face to the issue, and a contact for further development and advocacy. Also, every mom who you help to acheive her version of breastfeeding success will become your ally. Get them to help you -- the lawyers, wives of corporate execs, etc. Yup, this is all 'marketing.' Actually, it sounds kinda fun! So, 1) Collect and compile that data 2) Keep a file of useful contacts and success stories 3) Write letters to the editor of your newspapers 4) Offer to write columns to the magazines of health insurers in your area. 5) Keep in mind the earlier (wonderful) post about the Hershey Kiss bf present (you may only need to send 4 kisses to that Director of Human Resources, so it wouldn't cost too much money). 6) Maintain and build your visibility as a competent voice for breastfeeding and advocate for moms and babies. 7) If you're an IBCLC, get involved with Third Party Reimbursement issues with ILCA. Good Luck! Doraine Bailey, MA ILCA WBW Coordinator (Who's holiday wish list is that everyone who reads this post starts to collect data and email it to me so I can use it to help promote breastfeeding through World Breastfeeding Week). ______________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com