Laurie, I know what a fine LC you are and how level headed you are, too.  So
I was sad to see you having such a rough day and feeling that in spite of
all your hard work nothing was changing.  I always have to remind myself
(when I have days like that) that we are called to this work to be faithful,
not successful.  Success would be nice, of course, and fact is,
breastfeeding rates are up.  But change feels so slow.  Sometimes you work
for 20 years just to see a slight shift.  But if you hadn't worked for 20
years, the next person along would have to slog even harder.  I think of the
suffragists who labored for decades in various countries before women got to
vote.  Some of them never lived to cast a ballot  (and some are still alive
in places where nothing has changed), but because they struggled and
struggle still, their daughters have hope.

 I feel certain that the hundreds of women who have breastfed their babies
because you were there will appreciate your help to the end of their days.
Think about them and the difference you made in their lives.  The best
offense against stupidity and laziness is to act right.  Your example is
very powerful.  Just do what you can.  That's the best anyone of us can do.
And at the end of the day, remember to do some nurturing of yourself so you
have something left to give.

Just in case no one has appreciated you fully today, on behalf of a grateful
profession, I want to say thank you for all your hard work and compassionate
care of mothers and babies.

Barbara Wilson-Clay BSEd, IBCLC
Austin Lactation Associates
http://www.lactnews.com

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