Hi All,
  Hedi, your comments on how frustrating it is to work with women who
have expectations that don't fit with reality is so very true. The
problem is not simply a expectations vs reality, the problem is that
'reality' is so distorted for many women and so much of the literature
out there is presented as 'reality' when in fact it is subtle
distortions or misinformation meant to further an agenda or bias of the
person or company producing the work. Expectant and new moms, not
knowing anything about babies, take the information as truth and therein
is where the problems begin. New moms are in a vulnerable state, since
their life has just undergone a major life event and they need support
and encouragement to help them understand babies and how babies
function.
  One of the tricks I have begun doing is asking questions that lead me
to finding out if the mom is committed to breastfeeding or making the
decision out of pressure from someone/something and then working my
information from the right direction. Women who are committed to
breastfeeding need the support and encouragement and can be handled more
directly (i.e. 'you need to stop supplementing' for example). While moms
who are feeling pressured need more information and direction to make a
better decision and one that she will feel comfortable with. Advice has
to be less direct (i.e. 'to increase your milk supply, you may want to
stop supplementing').
  Working with humans can be so frustrating with the wide variables we
encounter. At least I can honestly say is that it is always interesting
and it keeps me thinking!

Leslie Ward
Vine Grove, KY
"What came before and what is to come are of little consequence when
compared to what lies within." Oliver W. Holmes