Susan writes:
... there are basically only a couple of things I
> would like docs to know.  That breastfeeding/breastmilk is healthy for
> mom, baby, and the community in a variety of ways; thus worth supporting.
>  And that there is help available for their patients........from the
> local lactation consultants of course!

Ideally yes, but...
1. too many docs know "wrong" stuff - because that's what they were [or
weren't] taught
2. formula reps are doing their best to keep some "misinformation" alive -
examples  the desirability of supplements - BF and formula not really
different....
3. it's darn near impossible to stay on top of new info on every subject
[I get 75-100 pieces of doctor mail/info per week]
4. if BF is going well and there's no "issues" an uninformed doc won't
usually do too much damage [here come the stories - I can tell]
5. an uninformed doc in a crisis (jaundice, meds, supply problems, cleft
lip, etc) can bring BF to a grinding halt or keep it from ever getting off
the ground
6. docs don't realize they don't have the most "up to date" stuff -refer
back to #3
7.  docs WANT to do the right thing by their patients - they already think
they ARE being supportive

Mira's lecture plan was great because it addresses these issues in a
"we're just updating you - not trying to be in your face" format

Docs are tough to change.

Gail [doc]
Gail S. Hertz, MD, IBCLC
Resident,  Dept. of Pediatrics
PSGHS Children's Hospital
Hershey  PA
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