Hi,
>1) Mandated short hospital stays. Moms milk is not even in and we are pushing
>the pair out the door. This is detrimental, especially to first time moms who
>have very little practical knowledge of breastfeeding these days and often
>little knowledgeable support from family and friends.

But support doesn't have to come from in *hospital*. In fact, as we've
discussed, hospital policies and ignorant staff can actually make
hospital the last place women are going to be supported in
breastfeeding. I remember discharging myself and my baby from hospital
precisely for this reason - because I knew I'd never be "allowed" to
breastfeed exclusively, on demand if I stayed in hospital. Besides, I
don't feel breastfeeding should be medicalised as birth already is.

How about breastfeeding drop-in centres, well-baby clinics and a LC
contact for every single mother who has a new baby?
--
Anna H. (Mummy to Emma, 17-1-95, Alice, 11-9-96, Samuel, 25-4-98)
"You might say that, but I couldn't possibly comment"

mailto: [log in to unmask]
http://www.ratbag.demon.co.uk/anna/

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