Ok, here's three cheers for Pat Gima!!!  As a hospital-based LC, we often
are bashed for all of the "bad" things that happen to people in hospitals.
Personally, I support home birthing and all that comes with it.  I learned
my craft under the wise mentoring of several nurse midwives with
hospital-based practices.  I do realize hospitals have a long way to go, but
many of us are out there trying to make a hospital birth as personalized as
possible.  Before I was a LC, I was a labor nurse, and support unmedicated
births whenever possible.  I have all those strong feelings about assuring
that each and every woman has an optimal birthing experience.  Yes, I can
remember all the details of "my turn" to birth, with great pride and warm
feelings.  We only have a few chances in life to birth, and we are all
accountable to help a woman achieve the best possible experience she can.

I was a community health nurse for about 10 years before I returned to the
hospital, and feel it is just where I am supposed to be practicing, and
believe you me, my work is cut out for me!  So, please encourage those of us
who do work in the hospital and are working to change things!  We need your
support!

Linda J. Tandy, MSN, RN, IBCLC
Cedar Rapids, Iowa

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