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Subject:
From:
"Carrie L. Bryant" <[log in to unmask]>
Reply To:
Lactation Information and Discussion <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Mon, 16 Mar 1998 21:19:09 -0600
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I have learned so much about how to treat others since I have been a
counselor.  It takes more than just learning counseling techniques from a
book.  I believe you need to have alot of compassion already built in.  Just
because you have a title behind your name, doesn't mean that you are a
positve, compassionate role model.  Even if I have a very busy day and see
several women.  I try to treat each of those women as if they are very
important and that they matter.  I do this because I have had both kinds, of
treatment from doctors, nurses, counselors, teachers, etc, etc,.

Their concerns are important to them and you need to make sure that you feel
that same.  I try to look at them while they are talking instead of looking
down at my chart and writing things down.  Sometimes I have been known to
pat them, put my arms around them, touch a hand.  I try to get a feel for
the person, and usually have a good intuition about them.  How does this
person want me to approach them, how do they feel about their space, their
privacy.  Sometimes, if I feel that there is something that is bothering
them--they are upset.  I can ask light questions and make light conversation
so that they feel they can trust me enough to open up.  Most of the time
they do.

I try to treat clients the way that I would like to be treated.  I believe
that a mothering approach is best also.  If I have a mom who has just had a
baby come in and she is feeling very unsure about things.  I try to assure
her the way that  mother would.  I look her in the eye and tell her that by
what she is telling me, everything seems to be okay.  If I feel that there
is a problem,  I try to suggest that she see a doctor, IBCLC, etc. in a way
that will not be threatening to her.

Carrie
Breastfeeding Peer Counselor.
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