Hello All,

 

It is deeply distressing to me to read a letter directed at a colleague that
should have been sent privately not publicly.   I took offense to this
letter as I felt it was a personal attack on a colleague that was not only
unwarranted, but unprofessional simply because it was sent to the public
list.  We all have personal opinions about different circumstances and
situations and we should feel free to voice those opinions appropriately -
even if others do not like or agree with that opinion or our choice of
words.  However, to take offense at someone's personal opinion and then
slam/flame that person publicly I feel, is inappropriate and disrespectful.
Nowhere in her post did Jennifer attack anyone personally regarding their
actions or behaviors in our hospitals.  The comment was a general statement
about the birthing practices in American hospitals today.  One that, is
sadly more accurate than we would like to believe; not in all hospitals -
but in enough to warrant concern.  Her comments were bold and somewhat of a
shock to read, even to me - but they were her opinions.something she has a
right to (and opinions I personally agree with).

 

It is too easy these days to take things personally that are not meant
personally.  I have my own personal beliefs about America's hospital births
and home births (having had one of the latter and two of the former).  There
were comments made about homebirths and <some> childbirth educators as
radicals that were as offensive to me as the comments about the brutality of
American hospital births were to another.  Will I take personal offense, get
mad and attack that person?  No - why?  Because she has a right to her
opinion.  I may not agree with it, but if I choose to voice my disagreement
I can do so appropriately and with respect - I have no need to attack her
character.

 

Please, in the atmosphere of respect for each other's opinions and for our
group - please try to not take personally something that is not meant as a
personal attack.  If your name is not mentioned - then it probably isn't
about "you".  If you do take offense to something, please respond to that
person privately rather than to the list - when we react in anger or offense
and respond to the list by attacking a colleague we do ourselves and our
group a disservice.  Please take the time to calm down before the send
button is clicked.

 

Warmly,

But saddened.

 

Jaye Simpson, IBCLC, CIIM

 


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