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, IBCLC