For those of you on Lactnet from overseas, The Citizen Ambassador
Program of People to People International is a highly respected program
started by the Eisenhower Foundation, which is a non-profit organization
interested in cultural, educational, and scientific exchange to foster
world peace.  Leaders for delegations are chosen for their expertise in
an area and mailing lists of compatible professional organizations are
used to invite people to join a delegation.  Yes, the ILCA mailing list
was used in this case - it makes better sense to use a lactation
consultant mailing list for a breastfeeding delegation than using the
mailing list of the United Auto Workers, for example.

Last year I had the good fortune to join Dr. Cadwell on a breastfeeding
delegation to China.  It was the experience of a lifetime, and while I
am fortunate to be fairly well traveled internationally, it was totally
different from anything I had ever done because it was so focused on a
particular topic.  There was plenty of exchange of ideas, facts &
figures, and many of us gave presentations.  As a group, we worked up
learning objectives and received 33 credits (CERPs and CEUs) for the
work we did, and we worked hard as well as played.  I learned more from
my hosts than I think they may have learned from me.  See my article on
part of what I learned in the December 1996 issue of JHL!  Most of all I
learned how woefully behind the US is in supporting promoting and
protecting breastfeeding and the health of women and infants in this
country.

Being the delegation leader is no piece of cake!  It is hard work
balancing everyone's personal needs with the larger needs of the
delegation and the feelings and needs of the host country, (especially
when there are 23 women who all have gift lists a mile long and need to
shop and your hosts have not programmed in any time for such a frivolous
occupation!.)  Diplomacy and tact is needed at all times.  Having a
track record now with this type of delegation, I am ready to go to
Russia and Romania in a shot, to learn about their Baby Friendly
hospitals and how Russia runs its milk banks.  I expect to learn a
tremendous amount.

Jerry Smith is the Director of medical exchange programs for the Citizen
Ambassador Program.  Karin Cadwell has taught breastfeeding counseling
skills and lactation managemnt courses for over 20 years.  She has a PhD
in Public Health Policy, is an RN, and was one of the original
consultants on the first IBCLC exam back in 1985.  She is certified by
IBCLE, having passed the test like the rest of us.

Please don't be disparaging of something when you know little about it.

Lois D. W. Arnold, MPH, IBCLC
Executive Director, the Human Milk Banking Association of North America,
Inc.