>we cannot truthfully know the enormous obstacles some mothers face when
>breastfeeding.

Thank you Valerie for your post. 

I missed much of this discussion while away from work and so, got all of
it in one lump today.  What was missing was what Valerie expressed so
beautifully.

There are clients who want to breastfeed and are willing to work at it.

There are clients who want to breastfeed, but only if it fits into their
life easily.

And there are clients who don't really want to breastfeed, but started
because everyone else was, it was the right thing or they were coerced
into it.

I certainly can't predict which of those general groups clients will
fall into, nor do I presume to know that factors that might influence
them.  Partner abuse, past sexual abuse, lack of support, need for
perceived control... These are all factors that might lie behind a mom's
choice to stop breastfeeding or not be as enthused as we are. My job is
to help them make informed decisions and then support them.  Yes, it's
disappointing when a client with bountiful milk and a baby who won't
latch easily decides it's too much trouble.  But often behind that is a
perception that BF is distasteful for some reason. 

Instead, I give positive reinforcement for the breastfeeding done, and
offer the client the opportunity for having better support for a future
baby or for giving support to someone else.  

Judith

Judith Hayman, RN, IBCLC, BSc, BScN
Public Health Nurse & Lactation Consultant

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