My suggestion on what to do regarding the new hospital policies of "a 4
hour enforced separation of mother and baby" is that you contact the Health
Editor of your local newspaper and inform him/her of the new policies and
provide the individual with all the research and information as to why the
policy is not in the best interests of mothers and babies.  It is my
experience that most health editors are consumer advocates, thrive on
controversy,  and would love to do a story on such situations.

It is even better if you make appointment to meet and discuss the problem
with the Health Editor.  These individuals have been my biggest allies in
creating needed changes in a community.  Actually, I think we should have a
formal "Take the Health Editor of your Local Newspaper Out to Lunch Week"
every year.  We can also be a big asset to them by providing them with
suggestions for topics for stories. Everyone will benefit.

One Caveat:  It is important that one present the problem in a professional
manner with rationale and solutions (passionate is O.K.) rather than coming
across as a "raving radical" (no flames please, these are not my words).

Francine Nichols