Interesting...

[Guest guest]

Dear Johanna,

Thank-you for the interesting perspective. I am confident your

efforts to encourage a support group within your synagogue will be

warmly welcomed. I am surprised LLL is considering affiliation with

a religious group. In the past, they have quickly shied away from

any issue even mildly controversial. I wish you the best in your

efforts, however you feel led.

As for a newsletter, I find it unfortunately that someone would

choose to dismiss otherwise wise advice, simply because of my

offering a scripture or two that could significantly benefit another

mother. I have worked with my faith in the forefront and have

created lasting bonds with many clients of differing faith. I find

neglecting this issue entirely, also neglects those that depend and

have woven their faith into their mothering experience.

I don't find in my experience (6 years) that mothers are directly

offended with my sharing. They either embrace it or brush it off.

Either way, they receive professional assistance they evidently

weren't otherwise getting. Professionalism is key. Many

organizations world-wide offer their services in a blatantly

Christian manner and do so quite honorably. The Salvation Army is an

example. Families seeking their assistance aren't typically adamant

enough about their distaste with faith-based professionals, to refuse

a warm place to sleep and a bowl of soup when their house has burned

down.

If my reputation becomes " that religious lactation consultant "

because of an occasional scripture in a newsletter, maybe someone

will remember me! I am sure when a mother, otherwise disinterested

in scripture, is desperate for breastfeeding counseling (they usually

are when they seek a PPLC) she wouldn't even think twice about it.

Hopefully, it will comfort her. Most often I hear, " Oh look, honey -

as they discover the truth in my logo and Psalm 139:13-14 printed

below it. "

Counseling a nursing mother isn't simply offering her specific

lactation advice. We are to counsel them - discovering what is

challenging them personally, socially, and within her family circle.

What are her goals? How does she view the problem? What in her mind

would make the situation better? This is often not what we first

thought. The spiritual aspect is often overlooked to the detriment

of many mothers because we are afraid to step into that territory.

In private practice, I have that professional freedom and my clients

are free to request that as well from me. Honestly, I have done this

throughout my professional career, my manager fully aware, and

haven't received anything but praise thus far. I will be sure to let

you know though, the success of the newsletter!

God Bless, Penny Lane RN, IBCLC