>     One of the things that bothers me is the idea
> that we, as Leaders need to
> spend our time currying the favor of those who deem
> us fanatical. The
> responses that troubled me the most were those
> suggesting that somehow the
> Leader needed to "make nice" with  the nurse and
> correct her
> misunderstandings. Hmmm....


Very well said.  I think part of the reason that LLL
is seen as fanatical is because they have always stuck
to thier guns, not just about bfing being the best,
but also about other issues, like supporting mothers
in trusting thier own instincts, questioning
"experts", and that kind of thing.  It is one of the
things that I like about LLL, but also many women can
be scared off by being told they must think for
themselves and make decisions about their own baby.
It can be east sometimes to do what the dr says, and
then blame her/him when it doesn't work out.

It is also my theory and take this for what its worth,
that any organization started by women, run by women,
and for women is going to be threatening to some
people, men and women alike.  The fanatic reputation
is applied to amny women's organizations, I think.

. It is not
> terribly likely, as lovely as
> it sounds, that a whole slew of moms would have bf
> if only they had known me,
> or you or anyone else in particular.

I think you are right inthat respect.  Mothers are
ultimately only accountable to themselves (and their
children).  Although it might be easy to blame
ourselves (if only I had called her back sooner, if
only I had mentioned the local support group, etc),
really it is the mother's responsibility to research
and find the help that she and her baby needs.  That
is definately a skill they can apply to later
parenting.

Just my 2 cents,
Rachael

=====


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