I found this discussion interesting, and was surprised at how much
misinformation is out there about LLL and the help that Leaders give to
mothers. First let me distinguish advocacy from helping a mother with a
breastfeeding legal problem. Mothers who are not being treated fairly in
the workplace do not need 'advocacy' lessons, but they need practical help
on how to resolve their situation. I have been training Leaders, and the PL
Departments for quite some time on the proper way to help an employed
mother resolve her problems at work. It usually comes down to helping the
mother look at feasible solutions, and then helping her to dialogue with
her employer to work out her situation. Feel free to look at LLL's website
(breastfeeding and the law) for some info on this topic. Also, I prepare
very extensive outlines when I speak at seminars on this topic. If anyone
wants more info on how to help mothers, e-mail me and I will be happy to
send on a copy of my outline from the last conference I spoke at (Rochester
- September this year) on employment concerns.

Advocacy in my mind is something else. Changing the law. Changing the
attitudes about breastfeeding. Advocating for a cause. It has no place in
helping the individual mother and baby. It usually results in hurting the
breastfeeding community, not helping.

Liz Baldwin
Elizabeth N. Baldwin                    Baldwin & Friedman, P.A.
Phone: 954-966-7110                     Office: 305-944-9100  x233
Fax: 954-966-9796                       Office fax: 305-940-8544

Breastfeeding and the Law:  http://www.lalecheleague.org/LawMain.html
Website: http://www.compromisesolutions.com


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