I can relate to the same feelings concerning moving in to the new LC position. I have requested for 2 and half years for my position as LC at my hospital. We are probably the last hospital in the Tidewater area without one. I was told no one wanted to risk my career options because of my senority and you know how LC is seen as "the cutting edge of Nursing" what a pun! So I got tired hitting my head against the wall. I gradually took a break in grad school when my girlfriend giggled about receiving an advertisement for GU Masters with a Lactation track. I told her I was interesterd and began working further on my LC work. I got pretty desperate and volunteered to go to Croatia with the Navy Fleet Hospital Five supporting the United Nations Peacekeepers for 6 months, leaving behind my supportive husband and 2 sons, 8 & 3 . I knew I was coming to an end of my career and wanted something special to take with me. Memories. Even in Zagreb, Croatia the women are westernizied and mix breast/ bottle like Americans. I should also mention, that amongst 40,000 Peacekeepers and a zillion United Nations employees (war is hell on the payroll) I did see 10 pregnant women who were married wives of Peacekeeper, United Nations employee or Embassy spouse. I couldn't resist doing Lepolds or listen to fetal heart tones. I would also bring up the subject of BF. Again a well-diversified group of culture /religion/ethnic backgroud and not any different than our society. I guess that's Americanization for you. What a disappointment. So that's how I landed my job, came back and they got along with me for 6 mo so I had a let sympathy for leaving my family, giving up my cushy job as a Charge nurse on Surgical Peds and not sure if I was going to be promoted or retire. It has been great on the good days and on tuff days, I wonder why I care and try so hard when I could give- in like those mothers who bottle feed for "convience". The professionals are the hardest nuts to crack for this breastfeeding freak on the loose. I will put in a prayer request to overcome negatism & skeptism in response to my request to inform familes to feed their child breastmilk. It is only after 4 fast & fun mos. that now the 2 postpartum floors are requesting me to educate them on what I do so they may assist me in reinforcing the imfo and techq. Everywhere I turn around I find people believing in what I do is valuable and willing to help me in my efforts. I can't believe it. As one nurse stated, You are rubbing off on us. That's the difference. Preaching what we practice. I think the only time I have a problem is when people do not know my reputation or style of doing business. They become hostile & say "its a personal choice. I tell them I' m behind the woman who does not BF 100%. I dont hassle her . Frankly business is too good. I would'nt be able to handle !00% of BFeeders. But I do expect them to support BFers 100% just like they do the non Breastfeeders. Hey, if I can get the Formula Reps to understand there will be no promotion of any formula to BFers or non BFers during Aug 1-7 for World BF Week. I'm doing pretty good. Hang in there!!! I love my job but I like to adventure on my own with some other LCs and start our business. Anybody interested?.