I was dismayed to read on Lactnet about the resignations of ILCA board
members and the sense that something is happening that ordinary members
aren't aware of.  Thank you, Maureen Minchin, for your wise words.  I want
ILCA to be a strong organization that works together for beastfeeding
promotion.  I get very worried when I see breastfeeding advocates get
sidetracked into disputes between different groups (the conflict over 1997
ILCA and LLL conferences, same city, same dates comes to mind), when we all
share common goals.  Can't we work together to solve our differences in a
positive and reasonable way, so we don't lose sight of our common goal?
There is nothing the ABM companies would rather see than breastfeeding
advocates getting sidetracked and putting their energy into internal
disputes.  Call in some outsider mediators, if necessary, but let's get the
problems settled with as much caring, concern and appreciation of each
person's contributions and viewpoints as we can.  We are all grateful for
the tremendous work, time, intelligence and effort that each board member
has given.  For those Lactnetters who are not ILCA members, please consider
joining.  You do not have to be IBCLC to be a member.  The Journal of Human
Lactation all by itself makes the membership fee worth while.  The annual
conferences are truly wonderful.  The ILCA Globe keeps you up on new
developments worldwide.

Anne Altshuler, RN, MS, IBCLC and LLL leaderin Madison, WI