Evonne:  I do carry herbs but make it VERY  clear that they have several
options:  not purchase them at all; purchase from a list of suppliers (I
provide the list but have no interest in), or purchase from me.  If informed
consent is actually sufficient, then I feel that moms can make the decision.
I also provide references and we proceed cautiously (giving a test dose to
look for reactions).  Then again, we live outside of an MSA (closest is 45
miles and the "big city" is 90 miles), so there is a service aspect to this.
I sell my herbs and vitamins at COST.  Again, this makes a difference.
Many midwives in our state carry herbs and vitamins, and they are not
licensed physicians who may write prescriptions.  IMO, there is a difference
between a prescription drug and an over-the-counter (OTC) item.  I would
NEVER provide a prescription-only item to a patient without a physician
writing the prescription.  If they choose to get a prescription directly
item from Mexico (I'll give them the phone number), that is a lot more
effort on their part.  Until (or if) the FDA requires prescriptions for
herbs, I will continue my practice as I  have had nothing but positive
feedback even with anonymous evaluation cards available (listing this as an
item for rating).

I  hope this helps put some perspective.
Chris Hafner-Eaton, PhD, MPH, CHES, IBCLC    [log in to unmask]
mom, wife, educator, lactation consultant, researcher, scientist, author,
organic gardener, photographer, lapidary creator, lousy cleaner.

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