You wrote:
 many non LLL support groups are run by LC's or other breastfeeding
counsellors.  In general, what are the best ideas people have for leading
discussions? I have the
most trouble with describing and listing advantages of BF; I welcome new
ideas

Bfing advantages are the easiest part of any meeting for me.  I have
about a hundred zillion ways of getting the message across.  Please
contact me private email if you need suggestions.  The area that is most
difficult for me is presentating carefully so as not to offend the ABM
feeders in the Infant Nutrition Gp and yet get them to understand why
someone would choose to breastfeed.  I emphasize it is there choice on
how they feed their babies but that BM and ABM are not equal.  I also
tell them while I would like to see everyone breastfeed, I am not the
bfing police, I won't come knocking on your door to make sure you are
breastfeeding and I can't feed your baby for you so you have to be
comfortable with the way you feed your baby.  And that is what our
function is to educate you about bfing so you can make an informed choice
and then to support you in your decision to breastfeed so that you can be
successful.  I feel I have been fairly successful as my evaluations, when
reviewed, reflect that we offend only about 1% of the time and I'm sure
that it is someone that doesn't want to hear anything about bfing or even
be at the appt.  and they are of little concern to me. By starting off
the meeting this way they don't feel that I am trying to "force"
breastfeeding down their throat, only that I am giving them complete
information so they can make a wise choice.  The trouble begins though as
we play a little game where cards are passed around that have advantages
listed mostly for breastfeeding and a few disadvantages of ABM.  After
playing the 'game' some have noted on the evals that we present a one
sided argument for breastfeeding and they didn't like that.  I haven't
felt too guilty about it because there is NO argument.  Bfing IS the
choice method and my class is about bfing not formula feeding.  But if
anyone has any ideas how to soften it a little PLMK.  Again I really
don't want to be too soft sell this is an important decision and I want
them to know I don't think the two are equal but I also don't want to
offend anyone because I believe in planting seeds and if they remember
this hard sell LC who forced breastfeeding even on those that weren't
interested that won't be good for bfing in the long run either.  It is a
delicate balance to strive for.

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