2019 Lactation Conferences and How to Afford to Attend Them (Bonus: registration links at the end of the article)

Be sure to scroll to the end of the article for links to the 2019 conferences

As we welcome in the New Year, we welcome new opportunities for education in 2019. The line up of lactation and perinatal conferences is extremely encouraging, but can also be overwhelming and could even break the bank. With so many amazing options, how does one choose which conferences to attend? I hope to break down the process and help everyone with considerations for this daunting task. Let's take a moment to consider some of the major factors that influence decisions and how we can navigate the waters.

The main considerations when selecting which educational opportunity to attend include: cost, location, date, speaker line-up and networking opportunities. Many attendees also make decisions based on who the conference will benefit, or the reputation of the organization hosting the event. Audiences may also select a conference if it provides Continuing Education Units or CEUs to attendees.

I usually attend several low-cost, high-quality, local conferences and one or two international conferences annually. How do I make my dollars stretch and afford me these amazing opportunities? I follow these suggestions:

Get a good value
With conference prices ranging from $65 to almost $1,000, a conference budget is essential. Some of the lower-priced conferences provide a great value with access to amazing speakers. Attendees may miss out on a few perks when attending a smaller conferences. For instance, meals may not be provided, there may not be huge exhibits with all the new gadgets and technology (along with a mirage of free promotional gifts), but if you already have enough canvass bags to fill a closet, you aren't sacrificing much, so I encourage you to take advantage of these steep discounts and amazing deals. Lower prices may also mean fewer speakers or only local speakers. Don't let this persuade you not to attend. Every local area has access to amazing speakers and it is more the quality of the speakers--not the quantity. I have sat in an audience hoping for a lecture to continue all day only to discover the time cut short to allow for additional topics.

Stay local
There are so many reasons to support local organizations. You can network with colleagues while supporting the efforts of those in your area. You will save on travel, hotel and meal expenses. Building bridges and collaborating with the locals are essentials in the perinatal world. You may discover great referrals, businesses and programs right in your own backyard. I always look forward to reunions with my community connections. We are able to move forward together after a rejuvenating event.

Register early
most conferences offer an early bird rate. If organizers can get people to sign up early, they can use the funds to promote the event and pay for expenses they incur early on in the planning stages. Some of these early bird rates offer hundreds of dollars off the regular registration price. Keep in mind, many events also charge a substantial fee for those who procrastinate and register late. Pay close attention to cut-off dates, the early bird really does get the worm.

Volunteer
Some conferences seek additional help in the planning or production phases. Ask the organizers if there are any volunteer opportunities that may result in registration discounts. Bartering with service can be a creative way to earn your ticket and get to know those attending the conference. If you are an extrovert, you will not only benefit from the work, but truly enjoy yourself.

Join the organization 
Most events are hosted by an organization. if the host is a Breastfeeding Coalition, WIC Agency or La Leche League, they offer member discounts. Joining the organization will keep you up to date on their events and secure a discount all while supporting a good cause.

Become an Exhibitor
Conference organizers love the exhibitors. Exhibitors fund much of the event, and provide additional opportunities for the attendees. If you have items to sell, consider renting a booth and becoming an exhibitor. Some conferences offer discounts for exhibitors to attend the conference. You can reclaim your registration cost and promote your business at the same time. Don't have your own merchandise? Consider working for a company. I have hired representatives to tend my booth and often part of their compensation is registration to the event.

Submit an abstract
Do you have research you would like to share? Do you enjoy presenting? Are you eager to add to the knowledge of colleagues? Why not submit an abstract and venture out as a public speaker? You would be surprised to know how many people I know that present at in-services or staff meetings that never considered presenting in a conference setting. Many of these same individuals are now making the rounds and appear on conference flyers everywhere. Take the leap, this may be just the push you need to enter the circuit and share your knowledge and gift with the world.

Take advantage of group rates
Check to see if the conference offers a group discount. If they do, find some friends who would appreciate the information and organize a group to attend.

See if your employer has educational funds
Many jobs encourage education and have funds set aside for their employees. Check with your employer to see if there are any applicable programs that can sponsor your education. Even if your company does not pay for the conference, some will allow you to attend on work time if the training will benefit your place of employment.

Save on travel and accommodations
While not directly related to registration fees, you can save enough on travel to justify the expense of attending your favorite conferences. Booking airfare early, using airline points or taking advantage of sales can help to reduce travel costs. Shop around for your hotel. Oftentimes, you can find your own hotel or airbnb cheaper than the accommodations recommended by the conference organizers. You can also find roommates to share the expense. If you do decide to stay at the hotel hosting, try going to the hotel site directly rather than the through the link provided on the conference registration page. Look for discounts, such as AAA or AARP offered by the hotel. You also may be able to get a discount by calling the front desk and asking for any specials. There may be unadvertised discounts for those who sign up for their rewards program. It never hurts to ask.

Stay home
Want to really save on travel? Attend one of the several conferences offered online. Many "virtual conferences" are available throughout the year and this option affords audiences to hear from international speakers live or recorded. Many of the conferences grant access to the talks for several weeks or months. You don't even need to get dressed for this option. Grab a cup of coffee, stay in your PJs and earn your CEUs from your own home.

Start a savings account
Is there a conferences on your bucket list or in a destination location that you really want to visit? Maybe there is a a speaker presenting this year that you have waited your entire career to meet in person--don't despair, prepare. Like the saying goes, "How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time." Do the math and figure out how much you must set aside weekly or monthly to attend the conference of your dreams. You can also ask friends and family to contribute in lieu of birthday or holiday gifts. Put a contribution jar on the counter and decorate it with motivational words or pictures. Skip the Starbucks and other luxuries in order to feed your jar. It will surprise you how quickly you meet your goal.

Keep receipts
Every little bit helps. If you remember to keep all your receipts, you can claim the expenses on your tax returns annually. Don't be shocked at the end of the year when you add up how much you spent on education. I am proud to invest in my own education, and feel it is the responsible thing to do. As I travel across the nation speaking and teaching the Certified Lactation Educator Training (CLE) to Public Health Agencies, birth professionals and breastfeeding advocates, I know I am equipped with the latest, most up-to-date evidence-based information available because I sought the best teachers and researchers to learn from.

I greatly appreciate those willing to plan and prepare amazing opportunities that benefit me and all other advocates and professionals. I have included links that may help you schedule your conference calendar for 2019. Many of the conferences below are favorites that I attend annually. I also included those that have been recommended to me or have been posted on social media. Please make us aware of additional conferences by posting in the comments. I know WIC and La Leche League has state or regional conferences and would love to have readers share information on those shared as well.

Most of the events listed below are specific to lactation. Some of the larger conferences that include breastfeeding elements have also been included. Some main conferences (such as ABM) are noticeably absent. Only the organizations that had announced their 2019 conferences at the time I composed this article were included. I plan to post conference updates in the comments section when they are announced. Make sure to follow this blog.

Which ones will I see you at in 2019? Maybe we can share a room or register as a group!

Looking forward to 2019 and all the new information we will learn together!

Healthy Children Project January 16-18, 2019 Deerfield Beach, FL $450 California Breastfeeding Summit  January 29-31, 2019  Anaheim, CA $300

Oral Habilitation of the Breastfeeding Dyad: A Master Class for the IBCLC February 7-9, 2019 Oahu, HI $550

iLactation   March 6-May 6, 2019 Online Edwardsville Region Breastfeeding Task Force Lighting the Way to Breastfeeding Success Fairview Heights, IL March 7, 2019 $100 Emory Regional Perinatal Center & Emory Division of Neonatology Annual Conference  March 11-12, 2019 Atlanta, GA $345 Ohio Lactation Consultant Assoc Breastfest March 15-16, 2019 Dublin, OH Australian Breastfeeding Association Breastfeeding: Supplying the Evidence March 11-16, 2019 Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne & Perth $255 31st Annual LC in Private Practice Workshop March 15-17, 2019 Pennsylvania, PA $575 Breastfeeding and Feminism International Conference March 20 –22, 2019 Chapel Hill, NC $350 Nursing Mother's Council of BACE March 25, 2019 Boxborough, MA $80 Northwest Georgia Breastfeeding Coalition March 27, 2019 Dalton, GA $115 NY Statewide Breastfeeding Coalition Conference March 28, 2019 Troy, NY $80 San Joaquin County Breastfeeding Coalition March 29, 2019 Stockton, CA $129

GOLD Lactation Online Conference April 1-June 3, 2019 Online $225 National WIC Association April 7-10, 2019 Baltimore, MD $485 Lamaze International April 11-13, 2019 Philadelphia, PA $475 Human Milk Banking Assn of North American Symposium HMBANA April 12-13, 2019  Chicago, IL $250 Oral Habilitation of the Breastfeeding Dyad: A Master Class for the IBCLC April 14-16, 2019 Sleepy Hallow, NY $635 Alaska Breastfeeding Coalition Conference April 26-27, 2019 Anchorage, AK  La Leche League of Minnesota/Dakotas April 26, 2019 St. Paul, MN $160 Lactation Consultants Great Britain April 26-27, 2019 Daventry, Northamptonshire

Baystate Log Cabin Breastfeeding Conference May 2-3, 2019 Holyoke, MA FREE American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) May 3-6, 2019 Nashville, TN Black Mothers' Breastfeeding Association May 8-10, 2019 Detroit, MI $249 United States Lactation Consultant Association (USLCA) May 16-18, 2019 Scottsdale, AZ $875

Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN) June 8-12, 2019 Atlanta, GA $749 United States Breastfeeding Committee (USBC) June 14-15, 2019 Bethesda, MD Childbirth & Postpartum Professional Association June 20-23, 2019 Atlanta, GA FREE with $65 annual Membership

International Lactation Consultant Association (ILCA) July 24-27, 2019 Atlanta, GA

Reaching Our Sisters Everywhere August 21-23, 2019 Atlanta, GA College of Medicine Dept of OB/GYN August 28, 2019 Omaha, NE

Appalachian Breastfeeding Network Annual Conference  October 11-12, 2019 Kingsport, TN Canadian Lactation Consultant Association (CLCA) October 25-27, 2019 Vancouver, Canada

Massachusetts Lactation Consultant Association November 2, 2019 Boston, MA $130 Southeastern Lactation Consultant Association (SELCA) Conference November 9-10, 2019    Atlanta, GA UNICEF/Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative Conference November 28-29, 2019 Glasgow

Is there a conference missing from our list? Please add it, along with a registration link, in the comments section. We will be updating the list regularly.

If we do not meet at a conference, I hope you will consider joining me for a three-day intensive lactation education training. 21.25 L-Cerps are awarded by IBLCE. Find out more about the CLE training at https://www.birthingandbreastfeeding.com/certified-lactation-educatortrade.html

One way or another, hoping to connect in 2019,

Christy Jo Hendricks, IBCLC

Birthing, Bonding & Breastfeeding

Teaching Breastfeeding through Simple Analogies

We have to realize how vague our breastfeeding descriptions are to those who are unfamiliar with "normal breastfeeding behavior." Statements like, "babies breastfeed often" or "expect baby to wake frequently" can be misinterpreted based on the mom's expectations and definitions of the terms. The more specific lactation educators and consultants can be, the more successful moms will be. I try to use one of the "7 Laws of the Teacher": Teach from the Known to the Unknown.

Analogies can bring education to the forefront and help new parents relate to breastfeeding in a tangible way. I have shared these analogies or "advertisements" over the past year, but thought I would gather a few of them up and share them in one blog. I hope these analogies help others to educate on breastfeeding and convey the message that breastfeeding is the standard infant feeding practice.

I often describe breastfeeding anatomy and philology with house-hold items moms are familiar with. They may not have studied pictures of Dr. Coopers's Anatomy of the Breast, or read Dr. Hartman's research on the Mammary gland, but they have handled a bottle of glue.

Different posters convey the same message.  Having a variety of presentations can help reach the visual or auditory learner.  Some people like a quick, easy-to-read visual, while others prefer more detail. Advertisers state that a message must be seen at least ten times by an individual before it is "recognized." I think many educators can relate to this statistic.  I often feel like I am saying the same thing over and over again.

Unfortunately, some moms have been told that something is "wrong" with their breasts.  It is easy to blame a vulnerable, hormonal postpartum mom for difficult latch issues.  I like to remind moms that the baby doesn't come out of the womb, look at her breasts and announce, "those aren't like the ones I've seen in magazines." Babies have no basis for comparison.  There is a huge variation of nipples across the land and this could be a problem if babies were meant to "nipple" feed, fortunately for all the nipple challenged mommies out there, babies "breast" feed. I tell moms that nipples are like snowflakes--there are no two exactly alike. 

Anatomy concerns span from nipple formation to breast size. This is an easy description of "cup" size that everyone can relate to. 

Once moms gain the confidence that they will have what it takes to breastfeed, the next obstacle is milk supply. If I had a nickle for every time I heard the statement, "your milk hasn't come in," I would be a millionaire. 

I remind mothers that even though their meals were withheld from them, the baby had a steady supply of nutrient.  I sometimes joke that if they had been at the Home Town Buffet all day, they wouldn't be hungry right away either.  I encourage them to practice skin-to-skin, nuzzling, cuddling and offering the breast; but not be be discouraged if the baby is not ferociously hungry or "crawling to the breast right away.  In fact, the Breast Crawl has been documented to take up to 90 minutes to spontaneously occur. 

I invented the Lactation Lanyards as teaching tools to help with bedside education.  Seeing a formula bottle gives the impression that the baby should consume the amount in the container.  It is empowering to show a mom an accurate size of the newborn's stomach capacity.  The Lactation Lanyards are available from the Birthing, Bonding and Breastfeeding Store. 

Once a mom understands that her body is not only capable of growing her baby, it is also capable of 

nurturing her baby, the next obstacle is often overcoming any difficulties.  Prevention is key.  The first preventative step is not giving into the recommendation to bottle feed, or offer "just one bottle."

What about the accurately diagnosed "insufficient mammary tissue" or complications from breast surgery. What are those moms to do?  We have set the options as "breast or bottle" rather than "breast AND bottle." Some is still better than none, and this analogy points to that truth. 

I have many other posters and reminders about breastfeeding and breast milk.  I am working on my 2014 analogies.  Feel free to share misconceptions that frustrate you in the lactation field.  I may be able to make a visual to correct the erroneous advice. I hope you will join me on my Facebook Page: Birthing, Bonding and Breastfeeding and share some of the evidence-based information we post with others. Some of the posters are available for framing from the BBB Store. 

Happy New Year and let's work together to tackle myths and fears in 2014!

Formula Companies Dare to Compare Imitations to the Real Thing

This post is about advertising, marketing and deception.  We as educators, public health professionals, moms, citizens, consumers, tax payers, etc.  have to demand honesty in advertising--especially from the formula companies.  These companies use inferior ingredients, cut corners in production, and then lie about its value, causing customers to flock to the registers with complete peace of mind.  As consumers, we question the quality of what we purchase and we want what we pay for...then there's formula...


I made some tongue-in-cheek posters last week.  I am a very visual learner, so I created a visual.  I was attempting to show the stark difference between formula and breastmilk in a vivid, humorous way, but the humor was lost on some.


My posters showed the stark contrast between artificial infant milk and breastmilk.  The superiority of breastmilk is not a new concept, but rather a well-documented, well-established, scientific fact. The two are NOT created equal.  In fact, by law, every can of formula must explain that breastmilk is superior to the product contained therein.  One is a man-made, synthetic recipe; the other a natural, organic species-specific food.  Just like vitamin C tablets are not as potent or healthy as natural vitamin C from real fruit consumed; formula (artificial breast milk) is not as healthy as natural, species-specific breastmilk.

Most of the people who viewed the photos I posted gave it a "thumbs up" and some re-posted. Facebook is pretty good at tracking where posts travel via shares and the subsequent comments.  It was the dialogue that surfaced on some of my friends' pages that truly concerned me.  I realized for the first time how successful the formula companies are at not only dominating the infant feeding market, but also controlling the critics that may voice any opposition.  They conjure up feelings of guilt, anger, fear, disappointment and frustration--not for their product or marketers--but at those who may want to point out that their product is inferior...how did they accomplish that?


One irate commentator "shouted" obscenities and cursed the person who made the poster...strong, emotional response--was this response to the false advertising and implied similarities of formula and breastmilk?  No, as far as I could tell, the reader took offense at what she perceived the message insinuated...that she was a "bad" mother. Nothing could be further from the truth.  I even prefaced the ad with the following remarks

"Just a visual reminder that no matter how the formula companies try to package it, formula and breastmilk are NOT created equal...another thought on the deceptive advertising of formula...(not-and never will be-an attack on those who use it...)"

If a mom gives her infant formula to ensure survival she is definitely a good mom!  There are many legitimate reasons to use or supplement with formula (adoptive moms, foster moms, dads with custody, moms on certain medications...all rely on the nutrition adequacy of artificial infant milk), but still the reader saw:  formula=bad mom; breastmilk=good mom; and I was absolutely, positively judging them!  When a company can cause formula-using moms to take things personally they have achieve a great accomplishment. These companies have undoubtedly succeeded in attaching feelings to facts and substitute perception for reality.


Then there was responses from colleagues in the lactation field.  A couple stated that although they know the risks of formula feeding, they anticipated that people might be offended and riddled with guilt if they were to share my photo on their wall.  Now, this is where the formula companies really hit the jackpot.  Not only do they promote their product, but they also have successfully silenced the opposition.  Really?!  Professionals can't share that there are risks to formula-feeding without retaliation?  Are we free to share risks of not using a car seat or feeding infants honey, egg whites and peanut butter?  What if parents want to give these foods to their children?  Does that mean I am prohibited to share the information for fear of causing guilt? Of course not, but these other safety and feeding recommendations do not elicit the same emotional response the formula warnings do.


It appears as though formula companies have even found a way to convince breastfeeding advocates to keep silent about opinions and concerns.  Even as I write this, I have a bit of fear and trepidation about how this blog will be received.  Will people understand that I want to educate, and that my heart is in helping moms regardless of what their feeding choice is?  Will readers understand I am campaigning for honesty in advertising, or will I fall victim to the scandal that all opposition is insensitive and cruel?  I really am at a loss for how to change perception.  I hope others will help me turn the tide of perception by sharing this post.


What other company can get the loyal consumers on board and silent the opposition? Formula is a taboo subject to discuss in any circle. It has a protective barrier around it and is off-limits when it comes to criticism.  How did they ever achieve this marketing phenomenon?


I am also a bit perplexed and maybe even in awe at how the big formula companies have succeeded in promoting their imitations as "close to the real thing." No one believes that artificial infant milk is as good as breastmilk, but the nation accepts that it is "close enough."  I have to congratulate the conglomerates for their marketing genius and their ability to control perception.


I often stand in front of a group I am teaching and take a side step to my left and boldly announce, "I am now one step closer to China." Of course, I am no where near China, but one step closer.  Recently, I created this poster to convey the same message:

Here's another way for me to put this in perspective.  If a young couple walked into a jewelry store, while window shopping for an engagement ring, and a savvy salesman produced the sugar-coated ring pop with the description that it is "closer to a diamond than ever before," the customers would be outraged, insulted and storm out of the shop (of course the guy may still nonchalantly ask, "how much for the beautiful topaz").  The point is, we are wise to manipulation--especially from salespeople. The candy sentiment may be beautiful, shiny, slide nicely onto the ring finger, but it is not the same as a diamond--and how dare a jeweler insinuate that it is!

Would honesty be appreciated?  Absolutely...the same salesman could have said, "I have this replica that could serve the purpose of a symbol during the nuptials.  It isn't a diamond.  It is made of hard sugar, but you can use it as a stand in."  Then the couple could make an informed decision.  Most would prefer the diamond, but no one but they know all the circumstances.  Maybe a diamond is not an option.  Perhaps the bride has adverse reactions to metal and the plastic alternative is perfect!  They can confidently select the confectionery token without any guilt.  Content with their choice, they are still happy for those who can buy diamonds and understand that diamonds are superior, they do not try to argue the incredible investment that ring pops are and become outraged when anyone suggests that diamonds are superior. It would be ludicrous.


Take the next scenario.  A customer steps onto a used car lot.  Just the location puts people on the defensive by anticipating lies or stretching of the truth.  I'm not saying it's right or even warranted, just a matter of  car lot facts. The car salesman approaches the on-looker with a beauty to sale.  It has four wheels, a new paint job, will get you where you need to go and is "just as good as" the Lamborghini parked adjacent.  Really, who are you kidding?!  Consumer Reports are out and the little, plastic toy does not beat the sports car in any category (well, except MPG--which could actually be a good selling point in this gas war).  The real kicker comes with the sticker price...the dwarfed vehicle is actually priced higher.  The salesman blames inflation and the premium parts that have been used in construction.  Once again, no sale.  We are not going to be duped by a smooth talker.  We are going to look under the hood, kick the tires, and we may in all actuality purchase the little car...not because it is better--or even as good as--the hot rod, but because we need transportation and it is a viable option, but not because we "bought the lie."

Now, let me attempt to share the how these same analogies are used in formula promotion. The impracticable, ridiculous sales tactics mentioned above are laughable, but when marketing experts use them to promote formula, they now miraculously work!  The company passes off an inferior product as the real thing.  Customers are promised that it is "closer than ever to breastmilk."


How can they make these unsubstantiated claims?  Professionals working in the advertising world will attest that these phrases can be legally used if even the color is closer to breastmilk than it was previously.  The American Academy of Pediatrics, World Health Organization, UNICEF and the Department of Public Health all try to expose the deceptive marketing to no avail. These companies seem to be untouchable--even with facts.


Not only are established organizations' warnings rejected, friends and family attempt to share the truth about formula and the "Ring Pop crowd" embraces a mob mentality.  All of the sudden well-meaning friends are labeled "Breastfeeding Nazis" or "Lactivists."  Why is the truth so threatening?  Why would sharing the truth be interpreted as "making formula-feeding moms feel guilty"?


Here's a confession, just because I feel like readers may think I cannot relate.  I formula-fed my first child.  Not exclusively, I breastfed when it was convenient. Do I feel guilty when I hear how certain risks are increased with formula-feeding.  No, absolutely not.  I was convinced that formula and breastmilk were equal.  My nurse gave my son formula...she was older, "wiser" and had more children than I, so I deferred feeding to the lady Nightingale.  Now, I am upset that no one shared the truth with me. No one said the manufacturers cut corners, use inferior ingredients and market their product in order to please the share holders because it is a commodity that people heavily invest in...that would have been helpful.  I also put my son on his belly to sleep--another sign of the times.  I would do things differently now.  A lot of us would.

I have friends, family and clients that have had to use formula to feed their infants.  They do not feel guilty either.  It is a matter of fact.  They almost all would have preferred breastmilk, but it wasn't an option.  They knew the facts, were informed and also admit that scientists and other experts are correct in stating that breastmilk is the best choice. They are not part of the crowd that takes remarks personally.


Remember, by law every formula company has to confirm that breastmilk is superior to formula.  They have to print it right on the packaging labels, but do we get angry at the formula companies for this atrocious declaration? No, we direct our anger at a friend, family member or random individual that posts something on Facebook.  Wow, how do they do it?

Why have my ads elicited such emotional responses from some people?  Once again, I think it is part of the marketing.  


Please indulge me as I share another personal analogy of artificial food.  TPN  (Total parenteral nutrition) keeps getting improved upon...it is "closer than ever to nutritious food."  My dad had to be on it to get nutrients that he couldn't get by eating food, we appreciated the medical advance, but wouldn't have chosen it as our first choice, we knew food was preferable...it was just a matter of fact that we would need to use it to replace food to sustain life...we didn't feel guilty for using the TPN, or offended when professionals explained there were risks to using TPN as a food alternative, I understood it was lifesaving, but I was also happy for the rest of my family that could eat whole food...no one ever tried to convince us that TPN was equal to whole food...doctors and nutritionists were very transparent. Why is formula any different?

These are some final remarks and observations that I believe help the formula companies perpetuate a feeling of guilt when someone mentions the formula vs. breastmilk topic.  Moms feel guilty. That is a fact. Formula companies know this and they take advantage of moms during a vulnerable time in their lives...they play on a temporary weakness.  Moms assume the "fight or flight mode" and fight off a perceived attack...guns are cocked and everyone is ready for a fight...we will defend ourselves at all costs...good meaning friends must also be aware of this delicate time in a mother's life and assume a protective role as we educate.  That may seem like an oxymoron, but it is possible and preferred. 

How else can we combat the advertising moguls?  We must figure out a way to remove feelings from formula.  Just like readers had to try to remove feelings from fact as this article was being read.  It's difficult because perception is reality.

So what can we say about formula?  The truth.   formula was created to sustain life by trying to replicate breastmilk, much like TPN is used, but that does not make it the same as breastmilk...education and truth can go along way, and everyone deserves to be informed...

Sometimes there is no choice, but given a choice, it only makes sense...

I hope this doesn't come across as segmented.  I have a lot of thoughts and this blog has taken way too much time to compose, but I have been cautious and rewritten it a few times.  I will just have to submit it to the public after I make a final note to my lactivist friends: we must be extremely cautions to never confirm what the formula companies try to insinuate: that guilt and fear, depression and anger should be directed at lactation consultants.  If we make clients defensive, we are promoting the formula companies agenda.  We must be honest, sincere, gentle, supportive and loving (in fact, maybe even a little more than we naturally are).

Hope this provided some food for thought...
Christy Jo Hendricks, IBCLC, RLC, CD(DONA), CAPPA CLE Faculty


Hope you can join me for a lactation training in the future...together we can make a difference
http://www.birthingandbreastfeeding.com/