Dear Friends:
     Barbara Wilson-Clay makes some lovely and appropriate comments about the
joys of her work. I think that we all love working with mothers and babies.
     But we don't love seeing them hurt and we don't love working very hard
to salvage breastfeeding when so many of the causes of breastfeeding
difficulty could be prevented. We need to gather information to determine the
scope of the problem. We need to join forces and validate that programmed
birth is an epidemic of global proportion. We need to realize that it isn't
us, or one particular obstetrical practice or one institution but a whole
mind-set, a collection of perceptions about birth and breastfeeding and
cultural viewpoints about women and profit that impede our work.
     Once we have determined the scope of the problem, we can organize and
plan. We each have to figure out for ourselves how we will work to make birth
and breastfeeding better for mothers and for babies. It is a relief to know
that we are not alone, that our sisters from around the world are noticing
this same phenomena.
       I have chosen this arena and love helping mothers and babies to have
that lovely intimate relationship; and I am working to increase awareness of
those around me. This means challenging denial, which is another cultural
element. Our nation does not take breastfeeding seriously, premature weaning
is not considered a problem, yet the phrase "breast is best" is on every can
of breastmilk substitute.
     Thank goodness for LACTNET, and every person on it.
     Warmly,

Nikki Lee RN, MSN, Mother of 2, IBCLC, CIMI, CCE, craniosacral therapy
Adjunct faculty, Union Institute and University, Maternal and Child Health:
Lactation Consulting
Supporting the WHO Code and the Mother Friendly Childbirth Initiative

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