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Date: | Wed, 26 Nov 1997 18:12:28 AST |
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I recently had the priviledge of meeting with a total of about 75
second year Pharm. students as part of 3-hour interactive
interprofessional modules in our Faculty of Health Professions. We
didn't talk much about pumps (!) but amid all the interest and genuine
enthusiasm we heard the question " is it really alright for a
pharmacist to be 'pro' breastfeeding, are we not required to be
'neutral' ?" This was a very real concern and the research evidence
seemed "fanatical" to them. I know they are just beginning so I try to
sympathize and facilitate their learning. One strategy which seemed
to generate some critical thinking about this conflict was the
question "what is the "formula" for artificial baby milk"? and how
does one decide which "formulation" might be best? When students
started talking about "trial and error" and "best guess" and "wait and
see" some courageous students chimed in " and you want to compare that
with "custom made ?" - I don't think so"! Out of the mouths of
sophmores..? The concept about drug therapy which seemed to give them
cause for reflection was the place for the "risk of artifical baby
milk" in the equation which looks at risk to mother if she does not
take the drug plus risk to the baby if she does. As a nursing educator
I thoroughly enjoyed working with this keen interprofessional group of
student health professionals and I can't help but wonder if we had
more of this sort of education if we would have easier communication
about breastfeeding issues in the future??
All the best with the lectures!
Maureen White, RN MN IBCLC in Halifax, NS
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