In a message dated 8/12/98 5:09:36 PM Central Daylight Time, Dr. Jack writes:

<<
 How about it?  If "doing the right thing" doesn't seem to "grab them",
 maybe liability will.
  >>

YES, YES, YES!!!!  This is exactly what needs to happen - "the threat of
lawsuits" is often given as a reason for the ridiculous practices that harm
moms and babies.  We need lawsuits that penalize HCPs and hospitals for their
laziness and stupidity.  Then they'll be forced to actually weigh the
risk/benefits of birth and feeding interventions instead of sacrificing BF
(and natural birth) on the altar of ignorance.  Where are the damage awards
for babies that have been ABM fed and thus are cognitively impaired, allergic,
or suffering from cancer?  Is it any different than the tobacco lawsuits which
are just now starting to be won?  Let's all practice some version of the
following:   "I would just hate to risk a lawsuit by practicing in  a way that
the scientific literature clearly says is harmful, should we contact the risk
management attorneys before proceeding?"  I know, easy for me to say when I
don't even *have* a paid job...yet ;-)

Elaine Ziska, LLLL
an ABM fed baby, where is my settlement!?