> We need to let Moms know that > they CAN have a lot of control over their exclusively brfed infant's fdng > schedule, IF they desire to exercise it. That is, some Moms may be happy > to have a baby permanently attached to their breast while others may want > more > flexibility and predictablility. It is important for us to help them play > their part in the dance that is brfdng. and help them to realize that at > times they will "lead" the dance and at times they will follow. > Well, I guess it depends on how you look at it. Do we need to tell mothers anything? What I find is most helpful is to listen to them, to ask them questions... but I admit I have a bias and tend to guide them (by the way I frame the question and the choice of positive language) to the idea that the transformation that takes place with the birth of a baby is the most wonderful experience in the world. What if they don`t want to be transformed? I don`t know. I don`t meet many who don`t. I hear from many, many mothers who are overwhelmed, and many of these don`t see that as part of a transformative process. For instance, earlier this week I had a call from a mother who said the nurse told her her baby was using her as a pacifier. But when I asked her if she was concerned, she just said, ``No, she just made it sound like a bad thing.`` So by talking in our meetings about how wonderful it is to follow a baby`s cues, to learn to give up control, to comfort a child at the breast, and to have him constantly in your arms, well, I guess I have to say that we are doing what we need to do: changing the world one mother and one baby at a time. Sure you can breastfeed and *not* do this, but what would be the point, really? Jo-Anne *********************************************** The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(TM) mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to: http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html