Very well said, Lisa!
Lisa posted:
From: "Rick Huntze" <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: LLL/LC roles
Date: Fri, Nov 10, 2000, 12:15 AM
I have never felt *undervalued* until I read some of the posts from
RN's.
As a mother of three ecologically breastfed children, a LLLL, and an
IBCLC,
(with a BSE), I can attest that many different skills come into play,
and
in a non-hospital setting, nursing is not one of them. One skill that I
haven't heard discussed much is the art of *listening*. Often I feel
that
one of our most important roles can be paralleled with that of a
psychologist! We can help a mother best when we first listen to what
she
has to say. I use my hands as a tool of last resort, making sure that
when
I do use them, it is competently and appropriately. I also ask her
permission to touch her or her baby, and explain what I am going to do
before I do it. (I proudly realize that this is the LLLL in me
speaking.)
As the immediate postpartum days are so crucial to initiating
breastfeeding, I have much respect for the hospital LCs, most of whom
have
too little time with moms and babies. I am posting this message mainly
as a
reminder that there is much more to our roles, in whatever setting, than
most people realize. I feel that I have gained most of my knowledge and
experience through years *in the field*, nursing my own children,
working
with mothers at various stages of lactation. LLLL experience is
invaluable,
as it allows an LC to experience the full spectrum of breastfeeding.
Aspiring
LCs, please don't get discouraged because you are not nurses! LLL can
be
one of your most valuable assets!
Thanks for listening!
Lisa Huntze, La Leche League Leader for 9 1/2 years, IBCLC for almost 4
under a freeze warning in Texas
------------------------------
***********************************************
The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned
LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(TM)
mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to:
http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html
|
