In terms of general information, this series of offerings has brought out very clearly how we must use the "shotgun" method of delivering our message. Some learned of bf through friends, some through books, some through relatives, some through health care professionals... Our marketing strategy must reach all sorts of directions. There are many of us - and I've heard many "rules" in the past about "how to teach a class - to pregnant, or students, or children, or professionals..." Well, whichever way works for you - DO IT (and I do mean to shout!). Don't be hesitant because it didn't work for someone - or the methods you've seen used aren't "you". Find a method that works for you and enjoy! If your audience thinks you're enjoying yourself and really "believe" in what you're saying, the style is secondary (just don't put them to sleep!). As for why I decided to breastfeed - I was the typical young college student - (1966- Michigan State University) the book I read on Family Life (a course I took related to Social Work) said that breastfeeding was best, and I believed it. I also read that there was such a group called "La Leche League" which helped women breastfeed. As the Spanish word easily stuck in my Puerto Rican mind, when I read, two years later, a newlywed (1968) and in St. Louis, Missouri, that there was a nearby La Leche League group, I wrote down the Leader's number. In 1971, the day I found out I was pregnant, I called that number. The nice lady on the other end of the line was very kind and told me she'd love to have me at the meetings and would call me back later - but she needed to go as she'd just come home with her new baby. I innocently asked "Oh, how many children do you have?" And she replied "This is my Eleventh." Well, I figured this was the person to speak to about breastfeeding. And what a group it was! Verna Gremaude went on to have 13 children and is the longest continually-active Leader of LLLI. Faye Young, her co-Leader was also an inspiration, later taking on the Publicity portion of LLLI for many years - and she still keeps us in stitches. But everything was not perfect - I needed their continual support through a terrible case of Jaundice (no, we never weaned) sore nipples and Colic (why does the baby stop crying when Verna holds him and cries when I do?). But they were the source of my newfound style of parenting - not the "behaviorist style" I had learned in college - but the kinder, gentler mom I wanted to be. I still reverted to the "other" style when faced with a new challenge - but when reason prevailed I'd get back "in tune" with my kids. Breastfeeding changes us in ways we have no way of measuring or foretelling. Jeanette Panchula, BA-SW, LLLL, IBCLC, RN Puerto Rico - where it's raining but who cares - I get to spend Christmas with ALL our kids in Iowa where Alex will be graduating from Iowa State University on the 21st - I'll be leaving (and going no-mail) on the 19th. Merry Christmas everyone! [log in to unmask]