supporting bf moms handout - what to say?

[jillc512]

Our local LLL is having a booth at a women's product/service fair coming up. While many pregnant/new mamas will be there, I believe the majority of the attendees will be older. So, in addition to the regular handouts, I want to create one about how grandmothers/aunts/sisters/friends/neighbors can support breastfeeding mothers. Here's what I have so far:

Ways to support your breastfeeding daughter/friend/niece/sister/neighbor:

•Bring her a meal
•Offer to run an errand for her
•Throw in a load of laundry
•Sweep the floor
•Offer to watch her older children
•Smile at her when you see her nursing her baby
•Buy her a copy of THE WOMANLY ART OF BREASTFEEDING
•If she’s experiencing difficulties:
odon’t tell her to just give the baby a bottle
odon’t tell her formula is just as good
ofind her the phone number of the local La Leche League leader or the hospital’s lactation consultant
obefore giving advice, educate yourself on breastfeeding and normal infant behavior (see http://www.llli.org/NB/NBearlyweeks.html for some helpful articles and FAQs). There has been considerable research done recently on why mothers should breastfeed and how to make it work – advice from even 5 or 10 years ago may be out of date.

In particular, what should I add/edit in the section about "if she's having difficulties"? How do you politely tell grandmothers "You did it wrong when you had your own children. Please don't pass on the terrible advice you received 30 years ago."?

Thank you lactivists!

[columbusmomma]

I think it seems really well written, and the part at the end about even 5-10 years ago advice may be out of date is a good clue! What about a listing(to address the older ladies)of some of these out of date practices, or "myths" and so forth? Just reading some of the ideas presented may leave someone thinking, hmmm I used to do that or I thought that was the right way! Maybe just incorportating these ideas in a funny way may get conversation going. Good luck! And good for you!