Norma,
I have talked to a mixed class at the local high school, the first
time is kind of scary for me, as I had not talked with young teen males
on the issues I am comfortable talking about with women. Perhaps you and
your fellow LC can practice the presentation with a male who may point
out something that would make young men feel uncomfortable, cause
laughter, or a misunderstanding. Constantly remember as you prepare this
presentation that what we are used to, comfortable with, and see as
normal, may be completely new and unusual, especially for the males, but
also to the females. We live in a society where the breasts are seen as
a sexual object and breastfeeding is seen as a detriment to that both in
taking time or pleasure away from the sexual aspect or 'causing' the
breasts to 'lose' their sexual attractiveness (I just got into a small
bit of trouble by jumping on my most 'image' conscious sister-in-law
over the weekend for snapping at her after she made a remark about
breastfeeding ruining the breasts).
I also try to point out advantages to the baby, mother, father, and
society in a male oriented way so that the males in the class can relate
to it a bit better, and also so that they do not feel that this is a
female issue only. Addressing breastfeeding in terms of the male's
participation, support, need for valid information, and the importance
of the former for both successful breastfeeding, husband/partner
relationship and fathering are also important to remember.
I ask how much time that I have and then try to allow at least 10
minutes for questions and I have learned with younger groups to bring a
few questions (usually I bring unusual situations or 'myths') to get
things going on the question and answer period.
Hope this helps.
Leslie Ward
Vine Grove, KY
"Teaching by example is not the main way to learn, it is the only way."
Albert Einstein
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