Well now that I am caught up with all my Lactnet, I am going to take some time
to get up on that soap box.  I always tell mothers that the reason why I have 4
children is because I needed to learn patience and flexibility.  I have been
interested in the talk about night time parenting and toddler nursing.  I have
also sensed the frustration of the LCs who feel they are not getting anywhere or
are upset because a mother did not listen to her.  I do get upset with the
mother who wants to rent a pump because she needs to go to Las Vages with her
husband.  I then remember that it is not her, it is society.  A few Sundays ago,
our minister talked about how society corrupts and we have  been given the
talent and the mission to change society.  I am sure he was talking about a
bigger picture but he sure hit the nail on the head for breastfeeding.

Before I had children I knew all the answers about how the raise the little
devils.  After all I was a teacher.  I also knew that breastfeeding was a waste
of time.  I had a patient husband, friend, and LLL Leader who took me as far as
I was willing to go on a particular day.  As I mentioned in my intro.  I was
every LLLL's nightmare .  Every time I said "My child will never" I had a kid
who did.

As a LLLL and now an LC, I have grown and I touch mothers and they grow.  We had
only a few leaders in the state 26 years ago.  Now we have many leaders and many
LCs.  Ten years ago I had to go to Washington DC for the exam.  Now we have a
perminent sight in Washington state.  You never know which mother you help will
go on and become an LC.

My mother is terminal with lung cancer.  I am living in her home.  My daughter
comes home from college on weekends so I can go home to be with my husband.  All
of the other children take turns sitting with Mom so I can get out.  Many of our
friends and family ask why we are  doing this.  Their answer is to put her in a
nursing home.  My children have no concept of that.  They ask how people can be
so cruel.  I think those of us with snow on the roof can enjoy the type of
caring children we have raised.  This too will help the next generation.

So when you feel like screaming, come on Lactnet and vent, but know that you are
making a big difference in the lives you touch.  Enjoy the challenge.

Love you all,
The old sage
Diane Herforth
Tacoma WA.