>
>Date:    Mon, 3 Mar 1997 20:20:26 -0500
>From:    "Lisa Marasco, IBCLC" <[log in to unmask]>
>Subject: Re: Ezzos and culture
>
>Karin Koss and Jeanette Panchula raised some excellent points regarding
>treating the parents who follow the Ezzo's philosophy as we would any other
>sub-culture. When I am dealing directly with such parents, this is exactly
>what I try to keep in mind. One on one, it is our interpersonal skills that
>are going to make a difference, and not our information, logic and arguments,
>regardless of how rational they seem. We have to work with what we have, and
>do our best to help the parents reach their own goals, though we may not
>share them.
>
>But, there is a second level to this issue that continues to bother me, and
>that is the level above the one-on-one.  I share the same Christian faith
>with many of these parents, and yet I see this new teaching dividing the
>Christian church.  And, it is a developing sub-culture based on a
>presentation of an interpretation of truth.  The question for me is this: do
>we stand by, say nothing, and quietly pick up the pieces? Or do we speak up
>and try to get more accurate information out there so that parents can make
>an informed decision, rather than a decision based on a slanted presentation
>of the facts?
>
>The Ezzos say that we [the lactation consultants] have problems with their
>program because it represents the "winds of change", the way parents of the
>90's want to parent their children, and because it also represents a
>rejection of our own parenting.  Yes, it certainly does represent the
>rejection of that which many of us believe.  But it is more than that.  It is
>an insidious twisting of information, of sending parents out to compare two
>types of families while simultaneously interpreting their observations for
>them---- negatively, of course.  I have heard the comment made many times
>that many of the behaviors of the parents and leaders in this program have
>cultish overtones, and I have observed this myself first hand as well.
>
>I will always support the individual families and respect their desires. But
>what of the overall program? Should we remain silent and allow it to spread
>unchallenged? What of the children who have been and will be hurt as a
>result?  I have struggled over these questions many times, weighing the risks
>vs the costs, and appreciate hearing the thoughts of others as well.
>
>-Lisa Marasco, BA, IBCLCarticles

Dear Lisa;
        I have often wanted to respond to your comments on the EZZO
related problems but never really new enough about it until re


>