Okay, so whether I want to be or not, I'm right in the middle of the LLL
debate going on here and privately.  Let me first set the record
straight...I was NOT agreeing nor endorsing anyone person's particular
"story" regarding what actually happened with Mimi's encounter with LLL.
I was stating that I empathize and feel deeply for the parties concerned.
While I'm not speaking in an official capacity for LLL, I can say that my
experience as a mother and public health professional in several
states/countries and with many dozens of Leaders (and there are those on LN
with MUCH more LLL experience) is that La Leche League has been my primary
source of both bf and parenting support.  I was legally emancipated at 16
due to very unsavory home conditions and had little positive parenting role
modelling until I encountered LLL.  I had to "learn" virtually everything I
know about parenting from LLL--including, ironically, to trust my
instincts.  My closest and best friends are from "League."  However, I also
know from direct experience that some Leaders, just like some physicians
(or any other group), may use their position to promote what I call
"adjunct" causes--including those which were mentioned by Mimi.  It is too
bad that mothers don't directly inform Leaders or groups when this
situation occurs; usually, they just don't come back or they come to
another LLL group (if we are lucky) near them.  My co-Leader and I have had
this happen many times when moms will come to us after meetings (or call in
tears) and thank us for not judging them like so and so did regarding blah,
blah ...It's a difficult situation.  All we can do as accredited volunteers
is state what the official LLL position is on this and offer warm
acceptance.  The payoff is when they keep coming back with their babies and
then toddlers, and you see those healthy buccal muscles and shining eyes.
And, to quote a wise Lactnetter who emailed me privately..."There are
always 3 sides to every story...yours, hers, and the truth."
RespectfuLLLy,
Chris

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: )Chris Hafner-Eaton, PhD, MPH, CHES, IBCLC  email: [log in to unmask]  : )
: )HSR & Health Educational Consultant        voice/fax: 541 753 7340   : )
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