Hi Netters,

It is only 3:00am.  Talk about addictions.  Can not sleep, so lets get on the
lactnet.  One way of finally getting caught up.  I think the one objection
people have with non RN, LC is basic assessment & documentation skills.  That
is why most of the  LC training programs have included this.  I do not feel,
being an RN myself, that you need to go through an entire RN program to be a
practicing IBCLC.  Basic anatomy & physiology, nutrition, assessment,
documentation, and the rest of a good LC training program and your on your
way.  Hopefully hospitals will acknowledge that soon.

underwire bras-  I did a survey a year ago on what hospitals and LCs were
recommending in regards to bras.  Interesting, LCs and RNs at hospitals were
suggesting to mothers "what ever is comfortable, do.  If a bra feels better,
wear it, if not, leave it off."  I remember one of the first questions we use
to ask the mothers on the maternity unit was "where is your bra?? We need to
get it on immediately."  That was the good'ol days when we thought the
ligaments were going to break down right then and there if we did not get
this bra on immediately.  The general consensus out there is that when the
mother goes home if she feels more comfortable with a bra (night or day) wear
one, if she prefers an underwire, that is fine providing she is not getting
plugged ducts or mastitis. The most important thing is that the bra fits
properly.  I did read (as some have posted in the past)  that there is an
increase in cancer with those that wore bras vs not wearing a bra and it was
due to interference of the lymphatic system.  Once again, make sure that the
bra has been properly fitted!!!!!
PNS pump-- if you are selling the pump, you can charge whatever you want.
 That is business.   I would suggest to charge what the suggested price is.
 It is worth it and the mothers in the Chicago area around here are paying
the price vs having to rent a pump
if they are planning to go back to work or if they plan to have more babies.
I quess I will try to go back to sleep.  Still would like to share what the
speakers said about human milk fortifiers, but, maybe I will post it next
time.

Pat Bull, RN, IBCLC
The Breastfeeding Connection/Medela Inc.
Naperville, Il