Dear all: Just as one of the lactation consultants who works here in Manhattan gave me very hopeful news of a hospital that is bucking the trends in terms of increasing care for breastfeeding mothers which totally boosted my spirits, I want to let you know about the Realbirth Center where I do my breastfeeding support groups and teach one to two prenatal breastfeeding classes a month. The center was started with all the educators from Elizabeth Seton. It has become extremely popular and the classes are always packed. I get very good feedback from clients who have attended these classes, which I think are six weeks long. I know some parents do opt for the marathon sessions that are packed into a weekend, but I'm not sure that they represent the majority. These classes are highly evidence-based and at the same time nonjudgemental. I feel confident that enough information is given that parents have been exposed to good solid evidence from which to make informed decisions. Ditto the breastfeeding classes. I can only do one or two a month, but the center is now running six classes a month with about 15 couples per class. The classes are usually booked a month or two in advance. I think what makes the classes successful is the fact that parents are treated as adults. The classes are not offered by a hospital so there are no regulations limiting the type of evidence- based information that be provided. I do see some home birthed and some unmedicated deliveries (although I have only met one mother who escaped the hospital without pitocin being given after the delivery) and most of these come from parents who attended Realbirth classes. Best regards, Susan Burger *********************************************** To temporarily stop your subscription: set lactnet nomail To start it again: set lactnet mail (or digest) To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet All commands go to [log in to unmask] The LACTNET email list is powered by LISTSERV (R). There is only one LISTSERV. To learn more, visit: http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html