Live webchat with Gabrielle Palmer, author of The Politics of Breastfeeding, this Friday (20 Nov, 1-2pm)

[HelenMumsnet]

Hello.

We're very pleased to have Gabrielle Palmer, author of the highly praised The Politics of Breastfeeding, as a guest for a live chat on Friday 20 Nov, 1-2pm.

Gabrielle Palmer is a nutritionist and a campaigner. She was a breastfeeding counsellor in the 70s and helped establish the UK pressure group Baby Milk Action. She has written, taught and campaigned on infant feeding issues, particularly the unethical marketing of baby foods.

In the 90s, she co-directed the International Breastfeeding: Practice and Policy course at The Institute of Child Health in London until she went to live in China for two years.

She has worked independently for various health and development agencies, including serving as HIV and Infant Feeding Officer for UNICEF New York.

As usual, if you can't join us on the day, please post your question here and Gabrielle will try to answer as many as possible on Friday.

[hunkermunker]

I'm still bfing DS2 - he's four in January. Well, I actually forget about it until he asks for it - which he does some nights, not others. True self-weaning - a really lovely thing to be part of - I highly recommend it!

[hunkermunker]

(Sorry, I realise I'm not adhering to the live chat etiquette guidelines )

[GabriellePalmer]

Hi Tallyhop

Well they are just not used to it, that's all. When I was a teenager old men went apoplectic when we wore a mini skirt (I was actually sacked from harrods cause my skirts were too short).
People love being shocked about things, just look at the Daily Mail. Nothing like a feeling of outrage over your breakfast.

Just keep on doing it and they'll stop noticing.
When women in the 1920s shortened their skirts men got accustomed to ankles and stopped fainting with delight.
So it goes for all human behaviour.

[WilfSell]

We. Must. Have. Helen. Ball. On for webchat.

[WilfSell]

And the guy from Bristol.

[GabriellePalmer]

verylittecarrot

you are right, but I am a writer not a programme maker. maybe you want to make a TV prog. please use my book as a resource.
good luck

[GabriellePalmer]

Hi Leningrad
Look I'm not a breastfeeding counsellor anymore and they'll be other good advisors among you. But sounds to me as though you are doing absolutely the right thing for you. I wish more mums trusted their instincts like you do. lucky baby

[ChutesTooNarrow]

Gabrielle
Sorry, no question but reading your book whilst pregnant was the main factor in being determined to bf my son when it was hellish at the beginning and I wanted to say thank you. Perhaps more emphasis needs to be made in highlighting just how wonderful bf is when you crack it as well as focusing on the health benefits.

[GabriellePalmer]

Hi all you fantastic mums. I will now confess that this is my first webchat ever ! how's that for fogeyness. I have loved it and you have all helped me through. just a bit of support and I am now skilled

just like breastfeeding
I think mumsnet existence is doing a world of good. Challenge your politicians more and educate them. you all know so much and you're changing the world more quickly than they can.

very delighted to have taken part

[hunkermunker]

Thank you very much indeed, Gabrielle - happy to have helped you through your first "latching on" - do come back so you can establish your supply, won't you?

[CharCharGabor]

I've been following although not posting as I didn't have anything to add to all the brilliant questions already asked. I just wanted to say that you are a truly inspirational woman and thankyou so much for coming on and sharing your wisdom with us

[MavisG]

Thank you

[GeraldineMumsnet]

Thank you from HQ too. (just had a lovely post-webchat chat ).

[ilovemydogandmrobama]

Hoochie should change her name to: Bright Young Thing

[mulberrybush]

I see tallyhopinkerton's husband is uncomfortable with the idea of the child being able to ask for it!

my daughter did use to do exactly that - "I want a mummy drink" and I remember having conversations with her about it -She insisted "there is a little bit in this one that needs using up".

Parents did have views, my mother was strongly against prolongd breastfeeding, and my mother in law -was much more subtle and came out with "technically she is a toddler".

I suppose clothing comes into it. as my daughter got older she certainly left me pretty exposed unless I was wearing the right sort of clothes.

It helps to be pretty bloody minded I think, and the inconvenience of having relatives who don't really understand is put in perspective when you consider how much easier life is when you can comfort a toddler and calm yourself with the ease that breastfeeding gives.

[foxytocin]

you did so much better than the bloke who was on here recently and that was his 3rd visit!