All the info on consents for ABM is great but I am afraid that we may be
speaking in an *ideal* sense, at least for now. It's a good place to start,
but there's more to it than a signature on a form.
A few hospitals have managed to put a true baby friendly enviornment in place
but unless we work at educating the individuals responsible for direct
patient care it won't happen.  I fear that baby friendly may be no more than
a jump on the wagon just because someone asked them to take the pledge. They
fall off the wagon when no one's watching. It reminds me of the strides made
in childbirth practices. For a while things really seemed to be changing for
the better. Now we see more and more epidurals every day.
A hospital big wig told me that baby friendly would never work because it
restricts free trade (Gulp). I have a sinking feeling that many higher ups
feel the same. Extending an olive branch in one hand and holding the ax in
the other.
At the other end are the nurses. The reaction I got from the vocal majority,
just about curled my hair. >>>>>>What are we going to do when these babies
cry all night. We can't refuse if a mother asks. What do you mean an informed
consent for formula, I'm swimming in paper work now.<<<  Then there's the
ones that  *sneak*  in the ABM or d5w.
Unless we educate out the errors, the problem will continue. We have to work
make BF the norm, gently point out errors and outright stupidity on every
level. Starting with kids toys and keep right on going. I'm *brainwashing* my
kids everytime I see a bottle anywhere.
It seems like an impossible task, but if we climb the mountain a step at a
time, eventually we will reach the top.