At 11:52 AM 7/16/00 -0400, you wrote:
>Induction has become so common in part because women are told by their
>caregivers that there are no harmful effects. Since induction is harmless,
>why not have the baby at a convenient time?

There is a Ped whom I work closely with who told a client that her baby's
being hospitalized with a "meconium plug" was because of her being induced.
 She said that the Ped told her that he had seen 2 cases of this in the
last month and both were following induction.

The term "meconium plug" was relayed by the mom.  Is that really a
diagnosis? He, at least, sees harm in the reckless use of induction.

I, too, see a lot of problems with babies who are induced for whatever
reason.  And as for the "due date" and weight of baby being determined by
ultrasound, I see so many errors that I'm surprised that the OBs aren't
ashamed to declare these numbers. So many tiny babies are being forced out
early because "someone" thinks he/she can determine accurately their
age/size.  But those "someones" don't take any responsibility for the
problems that follow, nor do they refrain from the same error next time.

As for the reliance on a doctor for common illnesses, I have a story.  My
friend's daughter was in her first year of college.  She got sick and was
vomiting. She called her mom who gave her some suggestions.  The next day
her classmates asked, "Didn't you go to the doctor?"

To which she replied, "What for? Why would I go to the doctor if I was
throwing up?"

She went on to explain that their family didn't go to the doctor when they
were sick.  They just did what it took to get well. Her friends were quite
shocked.

This all comes with the medicalization of health.  Few people trust the
body's healing capability. I see it with my LC clients and I see it with my
82-year-old mother's treatments.  Mother seldom sees her doctor for a
check-up without coming home with a new drug.

I had a client recently who was looking for a new Ped, and her husband was
insisting that the office be less than 10 minutes away from their home.  He
had no idea that a healthy baby could *remain* healthy without the speedy
intervention of a physician.

I don't expect the trend toward over-reliance on physicians to change.
Many people feel that they don't "pay" for office visits because of
insurance, so they trip over there at every opportunity. They don't see the
real cost to their health.

Pat Gima, IBCLC
Milwaukee, Wisconsin


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