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Subject:
From:
Alicia Dermer <[log in to unmask]>
Reply To:
Lactation Information and Discussion <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Wed, 23 Jul 1997 00:26:03 -0400
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Chris:  Please don't unsubscribe!  I for one would miss your enlightening
input.  As a physician, I had not gotten into the fray mainly because it
was clear from your post that you were referring to some physicians and
were not generalizing.  I don't recall anything else that you said that
either was unnecessarily negative or, for that matter, hadn't been stated
on this forum by many others.

It's unfortunately true that there are still a significant number of
physicians who either "support" bf without any real understanding of even
the basics of lactation, or are indifferent to downright hostile to
breastfeeding.  Thanks to Gary Freed's excellent studies among others,
what many LC's, nurses, LLLL's and other breastfeeding advocates
experience day in and out with some physicians has been confirmed.

Many physicians do not learn from other allied health professionals as
readily as they do from fellow physicians.  There are probably a few
reasons, including arrogance and ignorance of the scope of the lactation
consultant profession in some cases, but in some cases there are
other barriers such as the fact that many breastfeeding conferences
(except for LLLI Physician's Seminar and the ABM's annual symposium) do
not provide CME credits for physicians.

I agree with those who posted for a need for greater collegiality
and sharing among all the professions.I see that as a noble ideal towards
which we all should strive.  However, in the current reality that we live
in, physician education about bf is a priority.  If the only way some
physicians will learn is from fellow physicians, then I see it as my
responsibility and that of my breastfeeding-enlightened colleagues to
educate the less enlightened in our profession.  I also believe that this
is an area in which the ABM can play a crucial role.  I find the
stimulating interchange, the collective and individual wisdom and
experience, including yours, a tremendous help in my efforts to bring
other physicians to "standard of care" lactation management.  Peace,
Alicia Dermer, MD, IBCLC.

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