In a message dated 11/8/00 6:53:42 PM Eastern Standard Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:

<< And remember: it's not our job (nor do we have the power--or right--in and
 of ourselves to do so) to change people's culturally (or personally) based
 beliefs and behaviors. We *can* provide evidence-based information and s
 upport in as culturally competent a manner as possible.
  >>

Cynthia,
I can't wait to read more of this. I certainly have problems with this issue
and how my responsibility as a LC fits in. This may be where our real
challenge begins. How do we present the evidence-based information while
still respecting their cultural/personal beliefs--both parents and healthcare
professionals. As an example, just because an Hispanic woman says "no milk"
is not necessarily reason to hand her a bottle. Isn't it our responsiblility
as HCP's to explain how milk is made & encourage them to continue to put the
baby to breast and avoid giving supplements?

Another example is our American culture that says moms & babies should sleep
more at night. I see too many babies being fed in the nursery at "mom's
request." At a recent staff meeting I stated that I thought some of the
nursing staff at night are encouraging this. I was told by the night staff
that these mothers want the babies fed in at night, want them to have
pacifiers and will then tell the LC's what they think we want to hear the
next day. Therefore, the LC's are not blaming the mothers, but will blame the
nursing staff when mom says, "but they made it sound OK to feed the baby in
at night." This is a continuous source of frustration.

Thanks for some insightful information on breastfeeding.

Laura Hart
Winter Park, FL

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