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Subject:
From:
"Opal Horvat, LLL Leader" <[log in to unmask]>
Reply To:
Lactation Information and Discussion <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Tue, 8 Jul 1997 23:27:44 -0400
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The 40th Anniversary International Conference was wonderful.
It was my third International Conference with La Leche League.

If nothing else, it is indeed a thrill to be around 4000 people who are aware
and excited about that natural resource ..... breastmilk and the love of
giving it to baby.

Speaking of babies...... hundreds of babies..... almost all being carried in
slings, even the twins.  Not once did I see a baby being carried in one of
those baby buckets (you know the ones) !

Everything was really great !  I loved it all.  The Opening Night we got to
hear from all seven founding mothers of La Leche League.  The next morning we
saw mimes and a parade of countries and celebrated USA's July 4th Birthday.
 Awards were presented.  A video for public broadcasting promoting
breastfeeding was shown to thrill us.

The sessions ran on time and there were so many good ones.  You wanted to be
in seven places at once.

LACTNETTERS had lunch together at a cluster of tables.... there were so many
of us.  Yes, we wore the forest green ribbons.  Some of us even brought along
extra ribbon for those who forgot.  I sat with a Board member and a lady from
Zimbabwe and a mommy with two little ones.  It was lovely.
Marion Labbott spoke at that luncheon and she was super !  At luncheons
videos of famous people in our field were seen on videos on big screens.
The PA system worked..... in that huge crowd, we could see and hear from far
far away.

Exhibits and the book store were very nice and educational.  There was no
lack of shopping going on !

The fireworks were, of course, spectacular.  And Washington, DC, though hot
and humid was in the best of lush greens and blue skies all weekend.

I think one of the best parts for me was seeing so many "relatives" in this
particular family of mine.  Yes, I feel related to you.  Many, many times I
saw people I have known for years and it was a delight.  Had dinner with
some,  lunch with others, etc.

But, then I also met new "relatives".  My roommates were new to me.  I met
them here on the net and we got along just great !  I missed them when they
left early.  Then grabbed another "relative" from Tennessee for that last
night and we had a good time, too.

Saturday night the Walk Around the World really brought it into experience
that we were international.  Many of the 60 countries, if not all, had a
table set up to show us something about where their country.  Many states set
up a table.  A lot of memorabilia to choose from.  Entertainment was offered
over in a section of the ballroom.  Children danced, mimes performed again,
we sang and did the Macarana (sp?).  I saw you out there, Chris  : )

I had no idea who would be sitting at my table at the Banquet.  Was I
surprised to see a couple of NJ ladies that I use to conference with in NJ
some 15 to 20 years ago !  And Paul and Marilyn Froelich were there, too.  He
is Edwina's son and they were both so very nice.  Marilyn says Edwina is the
best mother-in-law anyone could ever have.

Well, I have rambled on and left out most of the thrills, but let me tell
you, the children were wonderful and very well behaved.  We saw a lot of the
very best parenting  going on.

Maybe tomorrow I will tell you about some of the things I learned or got
confirmed...... like...... we now have tripled our US Baby Friendly
Hospitals..... bringing us to SIX !!!  You netters in other countries.... see
what we are up against here ?!

Lets hear from some others.

Opal Horvat, BA, IBCLC
LLLL  23 1/2 years
Bergenfield, NJ
Mom to Britt (28) and Kurt (26)

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