Hello. I have been a subscriber for a couple of weeks and am just now posting my intro. I am studying to take the IBCLC exam and volunteer with Nursing Mothers Counselors (Harrisburg PA area). I have been involved in peer counseling for about eight years and this is my second group affiliation, having moved within the last two years. I have two children, ages 9 and 6. They weaned at ages 5 and 1/2 and 4 1/2, with about three years of tandem nursing. I am enjoying being a part of this community, learning so much and now hope its okay to add. Re: the post about the mother with 5 children and continuing nipple pain. Could thrush be the cause? Also, since she had this experience with previous infants-- vasospasm? Has she mentioned nipple blanching? Burning pain? Also, regarding the post about having a peer counselor position to help the LC's in hospital. I don't think that it would necessarily undercut the LC for a couple of reasons. The trained peer counselor can visit mothers to provide accurate information and anticipatory guidance while also screening mothers who may need more intervention. The LC can then visit those mothers at higher risk and maximize her time. Also, having the peer counselor visit low risk mothers conceivably could free up time for the LC to engage in staff education and more long-range planning (goals such as Baby Friendly designation or something). *********************************************** 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