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Lactation Information and Discussion

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Subject:
From:
Alice Roddy <[log in to unmask]>
Reply To:
Lactation Information and Discussion <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Wed, 19 Dec 2007 08:06:48 -0500
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Jeanette Panchula wrote: 

“We can be clear about being concerned that moms are choosing to give formula 
to their babies...or concerned about mothers starting solids too soon - we 
can give them the data and information without saying "YOU are a bad 
mother"...but rather "I am concerned for your baby's (or your) health and 
well-being". 

. . . 

“Would it be possible and effective to develop intervention tools that 
clearly identify the risks of not breastfeeding...but instead of saying 
"you're hurting your baby" we can say "I am concerned that your baby will 
have more illnesses, etc" and we offer support...” 



This seems to be an effective line of approach, less likely to the trigger defensive reactions that prevent a message from being heard. The problem that I see is that unless a woman believes that she CAN breastfeed, she won’t. A woman who is aware that breastfeeding is the best choice, aware even that not breastfeeding is risky for her baby, but who also believes that breastfeeding is painful, difficult and something she will not be able to do, will not do it. Before women will breastfeed they’ve got to think it is do-able for them. 



In addition, people resist doing something they cannot envision themselves doing. A woman who hasn’t seen breastfeeding, has great difficulty picturing herself doing it. 



I’m convinced that one of the major reasons support groups such as La Leche League are so successful with those who participate is simply that women see other women like themselves doing the target activity and therefore can envision themselves doing it. The program Jeanette describes above needs to be combined with one in which women see other women breastfeeding and learn that it is do-able. 

Alice Roddy 
Nursing is the biological norm for mothers and babies. It is a relationship that links the baby's immune system to the mother's, provides the baby with stimulation and connection while providing the mother with stress reducing hormones. It even feeds the baby. 

             ***********************************************

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