10.2190/J34G-YBBR-F4KL-0GW0 J34GYBBRF4KL0GW0 171 Complementary and Competing Roles of Volunteers and Professionals in the Breastfeeding Field 171 179 20020509 20020509 20020509 20020509 J34GYBBRF4KL0GW0.pdf http://baywood.metapress.com/link.asp?target=contribution&id=J34GYBBRF4KL0GW0 2 Virginia Thorley The roles of professionals in the breastfeeding field, particularly the relatively new profession of lactation consultant, may seem to compete with that of vol-untary counselors. This article examines past areas of misunderstanding and suggests that the roles of the volunteer and professional are, in fact, complementary. Good communication is increasingly enabling both parties to work together for the benefit of all, especially the mother and baby.