Hi, Renee: As I was reading thru your post, I found myself becoming more
and more uncomfortable with the scenario that was starting to play out in
my mind. I would be extremely careful about dispensing advice or doing a
consult via e-mail or a chat room. As you say in your post, you have never
met this person face-to-face. How do you even know that this is a
legitimate person with a legitimate situation? I'm sure (hoping for your
sake) this is legitimate, but you cannot be 100% sure.
Moms from my support group at the hospital will occasionally contact me
with an issue via e-mail. The group maintains an e-mail list, so it's easy
to contact other members. I will very briefly address the concern and ask
that she either call me on the phone, come to the office, or come to the
next group meeting. I'm honest - I tell her upfront that I'm not
comfortable giving her advice without either talking with her or seeing her
in person. I also tell her that I want to give her the best service I can,
which cannot be provided via e-mail or the internet. So far, moms seem to
accept my thoughts on this.
Also, too, think of the potential legal nightmare you would face if
something were to happen because of the advice you gave, which, by the way,
is in writing. Easy enough for a person to print out and save your advice
and have as admissible evidence in court.
You have asked for advice - I don't feel I can give you any. The
information you have is too scanty for me to be able to form any
professional opinion on how this situation should be handled. You've
already done what I am most cofortable with - referral to someone in her
area.
Good luck with this situation.
Pam Hirsch, RN,BSN,CLC
Clinical Lead, Lactation Services
Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital
Barrington, IL USA
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