Thank you to all those who responded, both on this forum and privately, to my 
post about harsh criticisms and generalizing about other HCPs.

One thing that I would like to clarify...
I was not advocating that we stop the discussions and problem-solving. I  
think that is a healthy and positive way to use this forum. Only by recognizing 
the problems can we find the solutions.

What I WAS pointing out is that the constant barrage of criticisms directed at 
other HCPs is NOT a healthy way to problem-solve, and leads to the polarizing 
of HCPs that I was talking about.
We ALL know there is MUCH education to be done, at ALL levels, and even 
amongst those in our own profession. 
We ALL know how maddeningly frustrating it can be hearing the stories of 
misinformation from mothers.
We ALL could make a list of other HCPs that we wouldn't send our worst 
enemy to for care.
We ALL know how quickly the scenario can change for BF mothers, and how 
convoluted some of their stories are.

My point, which I obviously did not make clearly enough for some, is that it is 
inappropriate, unethical, and unprofessional to use a public forum like this to 
openly criticize other HCPs, even if we do not name them personally. 
Yes, this is a public forum. It only takes a few minutes of googling to pull up 
this listserv. If I can find it, then so can all those breastfeeding mothers.
Yes, it is easy to become cynical of other HCPs when you feel like you are 
constantly cleaning up a mess, but remember, the mothers you see are the 
ones having problems. The thousands of mothers who are breastfeeding 
successfully will not end up in your offices.

Constant criticism, stereotyping, and generalizing about other HCPs only 
exacerbates the "us against them" mentality that permeates this profession. 
To use some soccer analogies here...
You cannot be part of the team if you stand on the sidelines yelling criticisms 
of the other players, waiting for the foul balls so you can land the goal 
and "save the game", and forcing everyone to play by your rules. This only 
makes the other team members defensive and excludes you from all the 
action. To truly be a team member you have to play on the field, accept other 
team members' weaknesses and limitations, and help them find ways to 
improve their game.

....And we wonder why other HCPs call us some of the not-so-flattering 
names that they do.

So, yes...let's continue to discuss issues, problem-solve, and share knowledge 
and solutions, but let's drop the criticisms, stereotyping, and 
generalizations...THAT was my point.

Kay

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