I understand the various points being made about this topic and just wanted
to add to the discussion. I wholeheartedly agree with Jennifer that many
current medical practices are not necessarily "evidence-based". Some are and
some are not and some are downright harmful. I also totally agree with
Julia, we do ethically have to base our practice on accurate info. One thing
that comes to my mind is how we define "evidence-based". "Evidence based
practice" should not be limited to data from major RCT studies. "Evidence"
includes ALL sources of info, not just big, well-funded, publicized studies
and trials. Anecdotal evidence, clinical observation, historical
information, etc are all forms of evidence. I think of this principle a lot
when considering holistic practices. We can't always explain in western
scientific terms (nor is there often funding for such studies) how some
holistic forms of care work but yet we know they do. So I absolutely agree
we should practice evidence based care, but we shouldn't ignore that
"evidence" comes in many, many forms.

Melissa Cole, IBCLC

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