>Pat, I love the idea of the natural, homeopathic or herbal remedy to
>increase milk supply . My question is this.  In my state, would I be
>violating the Nurse Practice Act , or the terms of my Credentialling with
>IBCLC, if I offered a mother an herbal preparation for which I was not
>trained to prescribe, had no license to prescribe, etc.

I don't prescribe anything.  I tell the mom that this tincture will increase
her milk supply and ask if she'd like to try it.  To "prescribe" implies
something written, doesn't it?  I'm being facetious, of course.

I can't remember which state you live in.  It *is* a problem in some states
and in some hospitals.  Do you recommend fenugreek?  Can you suggest to a
mom that she drink camomile tea to relax?  Can you recommend cabbage leaves?
(not really the same, I guess)

What of the IBCLC Credentialling?  Perhaps I need to review the terms.  We
could put it out on Lactnet and see what others think.

Herbs and homeopathic remedies are never going to be "researched" because
all of the research these days are paid for by the pharmaceutical companies
and they will pay for only what they can get a patent on and can make big
bucks on.  I heard a radio program recently on academic research and this is
what the issue was.  Even the study that the NIH is carrying out on ERT
right now called, I believe "Women's Health Iniative" or such, is being
funded by the company that makes Premarin.  Wonder what the outcome will be?

I'll ask The Net, as I'm sure you aren't the only one wondering.



Pat
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