Wow!  This thread on hospital practices in the US is most distressing.
Actually the *thread* isn't what's distressing, it's the anti-health
practices that are so clearly defined here. It does help one to understand
why "American women can't breastfeed."

I used to give a talk at LLL conferences that I wanted to title, "How to
get out of the hospital with a breastfed baby."  The title was considered
too confrontational so it was changed, but the content didn't change. And
after reading about what most mothers and babies are facing these days, I
should dig out those old notes.

Bonnie's explanation of why nurses do what they do in hospitals was quite
an eye-opener.

>THE COMMUNITY IS THE STANDARD, not research.

After reading all of your posts describing the poor health decisions made
in your hospitals I am even less hopeful of the medical profession's
embracing recommendations that are based on research or clinical studies,
or recommended by the ABM or AAP. It must be so frustrating for all of you
who work in hospitals as nurses, LCs, or physicians, to see harm done at
every turn and no one's doing anything about it because of ignorance, lack
of courage, and fear of liability. And when you come up with a
recommendation that is based on sound health, you are forbidden to follow
through or are demanded to "show your research" as if it would make a tad
of difference,

If you read back over the past week, one thing is quite clear...Most US
hospitals are not safe places in which to give birth. These are NOT places
of Health. Decisions are based on antiquated, hierarchical, inflexible
protocols that treat with little discernment. I would call little of what I
have read about this week "health care."

I was reading on the Reuters News Service last night that 40% of Americans
are using Alternative Health Care.  The MD who was quoted said, "This trend
must be guided by scientific inquiry, clinical judgement, regulatory
authority and shared decision-making." Huh??!  If it is so guided, it will
be new to medicine in the US.

I now have a better understanding of what I am up against in my attempt to
help mothers breastfeed their babies. It also explains the conflict I had
with a Ped a couple of months ago about a jaundice treatment decision. And
it explains a comment someone made here a couple of weeks ago about a mom
who had been using fenugreek and blessed thistle to increase her milk
supply. "The hospital staff were uncomfortable with the herbs so they gave
her Reglan." And they can always treat her depression with another drug,
all of which fits "community standard."

I have a better understanding of...it also explains..., but just look at
all of the needless harm. I am also left with a deeper appreciation of the
hospitals who have adopted Baby Friendly, and I hope that they can
internalize the spirit of Health that is implied in their decision.


I have much sympathy and appreciation for all of you who try so hard to
serve health in such settings. And I appreciate the calluses on your
foreheads.

Patricia Gima, IBCLC
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Upper Midwest USA


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