Gina,

Just wait to see what you're in for with our military hospital in
Hawai'i.  The majority of LLL calls to leaders (not just to those living
on a military base) in Hawai'i are from moms who give birth at the local
military hospital.  My first question on any phone help is--- at which
hospital did you give birth?  The mom answers and the warning bells go
off.

I have been wondering the same thing myself about a DOD breastfeeding
policy.  A military wide policy needs to be implemented regarding
breastfeeding.  To be honest, I do not see this happening soon.  It all
comes down to dollars and cents.  Someone would need to do research,
showing the military the cost effectiveness of breastfeeding.  Not to
mention that they see this as a woman's health issue, which IMNSHO, is
not important to the military at this time.

I was recently lectured by the OB head at our local military hospital (I
think she was upset because I went quite far up the chain of command with
my question---the commander of the hospital).  My question was when would
there be an LC to replace the one who retired in July 1997.   I also
suggested that a civilian LC would be the best choice----someone stable,
not having to transfer in 2 to 3 years.  Anyway, the answer was the
usual, we need to justify the position, funding, etc.---that takes time.
Bottomline, I don't expect to see an LC, military or civilian at this
hospital in the near future.

Our military moms are in dire straits when they have a problem that goes
beyond a LLLLeader's experience and/or capability.  There are no LC's in
private practice here.  The LC's we do have work at the local hospitals.


We do the best we can, but it is an uphill struggle.

Just my .02 worth.

Aloha,
Gloria Thai LLLLeader Hawai'i
who is quite irritated with all the "nitpicking"