Boy, do I remember the days I first arrived in the hsopital in Puerto Rico
- there, not only family and friends - but neighbors are there with their
children and their children's children!

At first, thinking I needed to get the mom to concentrate, I would ask her
if we could ask the people to leave - but then, they were gone for a very
long time and she felt she had to "hostess" them...

Then the light went off - these are the SAME people that are going to
support or undermine her breastfeeding!  Sooo - I put my "training" voice
on, (loud)  and spoke to the group (sort of like giving mini-inservices). 
I'd explain about benefits, why bottles are not helpful, what IS helpful
(besides leaving her to rest) such as bringing meals (then I'd add diet
information), taking other kids, shopping and cleaning.  I'd be
lighthearted, joke around, (cows don't drink milk and they make milk), and
teach, teach, teach...

If baby was giving cues - I'd explain the cues to everyone, then ask who
were the persons who were going to be helping her with the breastfeeding. 
Usually father of the baby, grandmothers,  and a sister or cousin would
identify themselves.  I'd ask the others to please wait outside, and I'd
give them ideas on positioning, signs of good latch, and evidence of
adequate feed while helping the mom.  

It seemed crazy at first to me, but it also worked!  As the years went by,
cousins and sisters who had attended to a mom were now coming with their
own deliveries and saying how much they remembered of what I had taught
(probably a lot more than the new mom herself!).

If you can beat them, join them (or get them to walk in YOUR parade!)...

Jeanette Panchula, RN, IBCLC
Vacaville, CA

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