Laurie, the adoptive mother tried to email you and the message came back.
Vonda gave me permission to post here and give you her email address so that
you could try to contact her.  I thought I read the other day where someone
was having problems with juno?  Anyway, email Vonda at: [log in to unmask]

On babies at conferences: The issue is not prohibiting breastfed babies at
conferences; in fact, I don't think anyone has suggested banning
breastfeeding babies from breastfeeding conferences.  The issue is how to
meet the needs of all conference attendees -- those with and without
babies/children -- for current, accurate information about breastfeeding.

We all know that breastfeeding babies can be excellent visual aids at a
breastfeeding conference.  We also know that crying or loudly happy babies
can be negative visual aids at breastfeeding conferences--that's a commentary
on US, not on the babies.  In other words, it's our reaction to the babies
that is the issue.  The babies are neither consulted, nor do they get to
choose whether to go to the conferences.  Some adult makes an arbitrary
decision about where the baby goes and when; and other adults make arbitrary
decisions about whether they feel the baby is welcome or not wherever s/he
is.

Our enigma is how to present breastfeeding information -- with babies present
-- in such a way that both the information presented and the presence of the
babies gains acceptance and credibility.  I agree with the posters who have
brought up the subject of the babies' needs being met, or not met.  Perhaps
we need to be more straightforward in our instructions to conference
participants.  Bluntly ask mothers whose babies are crying (or very loudly
happy) to step outside the room until the babies are quiet, then return.
Just as bluntly state to people who did not bring babies that they please
respect the unique opportunity they have at this conference to actually see
correct positioning and latch, learn about alternative breastfeeding
positions, hear the correct suck/swallow sequence, and talk with actual
breastfeeding mothers about what they expect/need from breastfeeding
counselors/health care providers.  Ask that both parties respect the needs of
each and that both parties assist each other in meeting the needs of both
parties and in learning from one another.

Sorry, I got long-winded.

Keitha :)