I'm sorry for Sharon's response to my message regarding the rental pumps at a
local hospital where we both work.  It sounded confrontational to me and that
was not my intent.  If we as lactation consultants are going to strive
forward as a profession, then we need to collaborate effectively.  My prior
comments regarding the overdispension of rental pumps from the hospital
settings was intended for the purpose of supporting the field of lactation.
Often times, due to the nature of staffing at hospitals, the decision to
dispense pumps are not always made by an LC.  That means that someone other
than us, who possess the clinical expertise to make this decision is creating
this situation.  That was the intent of my comments, and I do believe that
many LCs would agree with me that too many pumps are indeed dispensed at the
time of discharge.  I've heard it on this list haven't I?  Please respond to
my comments so that I can be reassured that I am not losing my mind.
Furthermore, my comments regarding the need for ongoing lactation support was
again intended as supportive of our profession.  We will grow as a
professional entity only if and when we decide to collaborate together.  My
intent about ongoing follow-up was not meant to criticize the services
provided by the hospital.  But that we as LCs need to strive to continue to
foster recognition by the public as well as the rest of the health care team
that we as LCs are indeed meaningful members of the health care team.  In
fact, Sharon, I had a conversation with one of the pediatricians this past
week and not only did I discuss my client with him, but I had encouraged him
to refer his patients with breastfeeding difficulties who had worked with you
in the hospital for ongoing lactation support.  Again, I was trying to
educate/enhance the field of lactation as a vital part of the health care
team.
Anyways, I will end now as this is not the place to carry on this discussion
further, and again, I apologize to the list as I never intended to begin a
debate here.  I feel strongly that we need to support each other as LCs if we
are to gain professional recognition by the rest of the health care team.
Though I feel as if I've just been unjustly attacked, I will strive to
continue to support and nurture each other on the list.  I continue to be
grateful for all of you who have taught me so much through your words of
enlightenment, encouragement, and support.  I would not be striving in my
private practice today if it weren't for all of you.  On this Merry Christmas
Day, I feel blessed that God-willing I have been provided the talents to
offer my services to my community.  As I told the pediatrician the other day;
there's no need for competition.  We need more of us LCs out there!
Otherwise, we'd have a breastfeeding world now, wouldn't we? Sorry this was
so long!
Sincerely,
Carol Chamblin, RN, MS, IBCLC
Breast 'N Baby Lactation Services, Inc.
Geneva, Il

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