As a past president I have had to explain the rationale for a  physician-only 
organization several times.  As many on Lactnet have noted,  physicians are 
often the last to know current breastfeeding management.   Over 10 years ago we 
decided to do something about it. As many physicians feel  uncomfortable 
asking "stupid" questions in front of more knowledgeable  non-physicians, we 
decided that a physician-only organiztion would be the best  course.  Several times 
over the last 10 years (including at our last  meeting in September 2006) we 
have discussed "associate" membership for other  lactation professionals. 
 
We added the Health Team meeting to the annual meeting to give  
non-physicians access to some of our excellent speakers.  We have had open  access to all 
our clinical protocols.  The major goal of our association is  to educate 
physicians and act as a resource for physicians re breastfeeding and  human 
lactation.  
 
As to the name, Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine, it is most  appropriate.  
There is an enormous amount of medical research and education  yet to be done. 
 There are now 5-6 physicians who practice "breastfeeding medicine"  
exclusively.  Do you deny their right to practice what they love?   Breastfeeding is 
not just the province of IBCLCs - as several comments have  noted recently.  Do 
you not want physicians who can support you?   treat mastitis, abscesses, 
clip frenulae, admit a dehydrated infant, act as  liasons between lactation 
professionals and other, less knowledgeable  physicians?

Nancy E. Wight MD, IBCLC, FABM,  FAAP

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