Dear Lactation Experts,

I'm new to LACTNET, but not to breastfeeing.  My name is Heidi Roibal
and I'm a Child Development Specialist.  I'm also a LLL Leader and I
serve on the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners
(IBLCE) as the Minority Representative.  I've been "lurking" for about a
month now and I'm addicted.

I've worked with many mothers through a Child Abuse Prevention Program
and by instructing parenting education classes.  I'm not sure of the
references, but breastfeeding DOES contribute the mother-child
relationship in MANY, MANY ways.  Mothers who breastfeed have a LOWER
incidence of child abuse.  This fact alone can be a great reference
point for the talk that Pricilla is preparing in May.  Also, address how
much LESS stress there is in a family if the baby has an unrestricted
food source that's FREE.  Many low-income families go day-to-day in
regards to food.  At least they can be assured that they will never run
our of food for their baby.  Another psychological benefit.
Breastfeeding families tend to use LESS physical punishment.

Another thought for addressing audiences who work with teen mothers.
Many cultures share child care responsibilities.  Grandma will sometimes
"claim" a grandchild as their own and raise it. Community professionals
can help the mother assert her independence by encouraging healthy
mother-child bonds that Grandma can't compete with--Breastfeeding.

Good luck and keep up the great conversations!

Warmly,
Heidi S. Roibal form Albuquerque, NEW Mexico
(literally warm because our high was 65 today and we played in the park
in t-shirts)