(Warning: This post may contain small amounts of humor, traces of sarcasm, and much unbridled passion. Also, great fondness and appreciation for Nikki, Jo-Anne, Kathleen, & all of us addressing these issues together.) <<As Eleanor Roosevelt said, and I paraphrase, one cannot be stepped on if one does not lie down first.>> <<However, what if one is knocked down from an early age (what happens to young girls was beautifully documented in Reviving Ophelia by Mary Pipher), and kept down after that?>> So, Nikki, whatever are you saying??? Females in a female-dominated profession serving females regarding an intrinsically female biological function may have to battle for recognition in a world delineated by men? Am I close?! A terrific book out this year on the subject of recognition for women is *Necessary Dreams: Ambition in Women's Changing Lives,* Anna Fels. Data galore! Mentoring anecdotes! Statistics to make you weep and rage by turns! Striking lack of reference to breastfeeding as a component in women's reproductive and productive lives! [I have no financial interest in this book. Unfortunately!] While the book's discussion is outside lactation (truly and sadly...), it is absolutely about the human need for recognition in addition to mastery of a skill in a given profession. Those questioning the need to title and define our work in lactation will find food for thought; those forging a path toward recognition in our work will find language and analogies. Recognition need not follow previous models, though history always informs. The numerous pathways that lead us all here enrich and enlarge our profession, both in terms of practice and in terms of research. I am glad for the discussion, here and wherever we are. It is so important to advocate for recognition, for our profession and for each other. Years from now, when words have quieted and milk runs freely, I hope the lactation profession will have forged new ground in setting standards, weaving related disciplines, and recognizing practitioners. Susan Johnson MFA, IBCLC Salt Lake City, Utah USA __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Mail - Helps protect you from nasty viruses. http://promotions.yahoo.com/new_mail *********************************************** To temporarily stop your subscription: set lactnet nomail To start it again: set lactnet mail (or digest) To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet All commands go to [log in to unmask] The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(R) mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to: http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html