Hi, Jenny:  I, as a nurse, am also enjoying this thread, as we RNs frequently 
get lumped into the "them" category.  I have found it very useful throughout 
my long career, to let a doctor know that I am here to help a mother meet her 
breastfeeding goals within the context of any medical diagnosis he may label 
the baby (or mom) with.  This, I think, let's the doc know that I need his 
expertise as much as he may need mine - also gets the "health care team 
approach" message across a little more succinctly. 
I remember years ago being called to the hospital on a weekend at the OB 
doctor's request to see one of his inpatient moms.  I don't recall what the 
issue is anymore, but I do remember walking up to him with a pile of papers in 
my hand along with my breastfeeding recommendations.  He looked at me and 
said: "I don't believe you."  I laughed, handed him the references, and told 
him: "I knew you wouldn't, so I have the (we didn't call it "evidence-based 
practice back then) proof right here."  The next day on rounds he approached 
me, thanked me for the information (he had read thru it all!) and said he would 
remember the management for the next time.  I know I scored some pretty big 
points in his eyes.
I also had a general surgeon interrupt my lunch in the hospital cafeteria twice 
because he was in the OR operating on a breastfeeding mother (can't 
remember what the surgery was for, but it was breast related).  The first time 
he wanted to know which incision would disprupt breastfeeding the least and 
the second time was to ask what post-op pain medications he should order.  
The nurse colleagues I was eating with were mightily impressed.  Just last 
week an internist in the community I have never worked with, had me 
overhead-paged twice to ask about treatment options for a breastfeeding 
mother she is treating for severe sinus problems.  Again, my nurse colleagues 
were impressed that a doctor would have me paged for a consult.
Bottom line is, if you conduct yourself professionally, and interact with the 
medical staff in a professional, knowledgeable manner, they will listen! Maybe 
not right away, but it will happen.  After all, it takes time to build a 
repuatation, either positive or negative!

Pam Hirsch, BSN,RN,IBCLC
Clinical Lead, Lactation Services
Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital
Barrington, IL   USA

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