Sue,

You said:

>I would like Lactnetters to know that the MD who described her visit
from LLL Leaders while on bedrest forgot to mention that these Leaders,
whom I know personally, (they are not on Lactnet, fortunately) also, in
addition to offering support, encouragement and printed material,  MADE
LUNCH, EMPTIED THE DISHWASHER, AND WENT GROCERY SHOPPING for this
mother.  They also welcomed her to attend local meetings, which seems
like clear evidence that meetings ARE open to all interested mothers,
even Africian-Americian, bilingual  ones!>

Yes Sue, they did come with help--with a lot of strings attached.  Did they
also mention to you that I had been trying to contact their group for over 10
months and was only able to make contact after repeated trying?  I had
initially made contact for my patients, then tried to make contact for
myself.  One of their members did call me before they visited (we have mutual
friends).   She was helpful but insistent also that a stay at home lifestyle
may also be best for me.

I did thank them for their help--but it was extremely awkward to have them
give me the spiel ABOUT WHAT I SHOULD DO with my life with me literally on my
back.  I don't think that is appropiate no matter what other help is
provided.   Especially given the fact that I had never even met them before
that visit.  How could they possibly know who I was as a person, what my
challenges were, what choices I needed to make?

Did they mention that I was on complete bedrest and could not attend
meetings?  Did they mention to you that I one of the few pediatricians in
Modesto that actively supports breastfeeding moms and have done my utmost to
encourage lactation?  I spend many hours per week volunteering my time
outside of my medical practice to address child health issues in my local
area.  However I must be selective in chosing which groups and committees are
most receptive to minorities.  That is just pragmatic for me.

I was extremely fortunate during my pregnancy to have many neighbors, friends
and even patient's parents pitch in during the time I was on bedrest
(complete for a month, 1 week hospitalization and another nearly two months
of modified bedrest).  However what made the LLL experience most stressful
for me as a high risk mom was all the CONDITIONAL advice I was getting
(implying I must follow their path to have a healthy and happy baby).

Yes, the meetings may be open to all--but if one feels pressured to approach
breastfeeding and parenting in only one way --why attend?  When I asked them
if there were any African American women attending the Modesto area groups
they said no.  I have many friends  and patients who breastfed and are
breastfeeding  who REFUSE (I use that word as they do) to participate in LLL
for the  reasons I have mentioned.

I think LLL works well for many women--unfortunately I am not one of them.  I
will continue to support LLL in a limited way (referring families, financial
support).  However I am not comfortable participating in the local groups.
 There are so many different ways to approach the issues of increasing
lactation and improving child health.  I am not convinced that I need to be
an active member of a local LLL group to do it.

Pierrette Mimi Poinsett MD FAAP
Modesto CA