Aloha Jessica,

Yes, it is much easier to talk to total strangers.  It is really hard to
step back when it comes to family, but I think you have to.  I find it
hard myself especially dealing with my sils who come from a culture where
breastfeeding is the cultural norm and were breastfed themselves.

I found that through the years, modeling breastfeeding is the best way
and answering questions when asked.  I do not volunteer information
unless I am asked.  This is very hard for me.

My sils know that breast is best and always support me in my
breastfeeding, so I do the same----meeting them where they are at.  Over
the years, I have seen my one sil nurse 3 babies for about 1 week each to
nursing her fourth for about 2 to 3 months.  My other sil has gone from
not nursing her first to nursing her second who is now about 4 months.
She continues to nurse, but has added abm and solids, much to my dismay,
because her supply is down.  She is a nurse herself and is only able to
pump once a day.

To me these changes are big victories.  I am not sure this would have
happened had I put my .02 in when it was not asked of me.

Hope this helps.


Aloha,
Gloria Thai  Honolulu, O'ahu, Hawai'i  located 20 degrees North of the
Equator
BTW---they no longer mention the fact that my children nurse for such
"long" periods of time---2 plus years