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Subject:
From:
Jeanette Panchula <[log in to unmask]>
Reply To:
Lactation Information and Discussion <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Thu, 12 Nov 1998 12:22:16 -0500
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IS NOVEMBER "KNOCK THE BREASTFEEDING INITIATIVE" MONTH ON TV???

Yes, I am yelling...

Yesterday on "Party of Five" one of the characters had a baby.  She is a
fragile person who agreed to continue her pregnancy just because the father
said he would take it if she did not want it.  Her delivery was terrible,
(DIC), and Dad was asked to choose between mom and baby, etc..  you know
how shows have to make things very dramatic.

So - now baby is out of NICU, and is brought to mother.  The nurse walks in
holding the baby with the pediatrician and the "hospital lactation
consultant" in tow...  And thrusts the baby on to the mother insisting she
breastfeed..  Mom was very negative and clear about how she felt...
frightened, not willing to bare herself in front of the "whole hospital",
etc..   She said something about "isn't pumping my breasts enough?"

1. Those of us working in the hospital would have known the situation and
would never have addressed the mom in this way with an audience.

2. Once it was clear mom was not comfortable, there are any number of
things we (as the hospital LC) would have done - none of which were
portrayed in the show.

It is only after she is home and facing the baby by herself that she
finally breastfeeds - even though we have seen baby repeatedly being given
bottles by the dad.

I was interrupted in the middle of the show, so I did not hear all the
dialogue between the nurse and the dad, but it was clear that everyone was
speaking negatively about the mom and her reaction to her baby.  Very
unprofessional, unhealthy and unhelpful.    

What formula company is paying these guys off???   Or is it that producers,
directors or stars of these shows have actually had these bad experiences? 


.... Does anyone have any contact with the producers or "Seventh Heaven"? 
The mom in the show is pregnant with twins - can we have THAT TV experience
a little more POSITIVE????

Jeanette Panchula, BSW, RN, IBCLC, LLLL
I need to go to work so I don't have time to watch all this TV!!!!
Vacaville, CA
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