Hi Robin!

I bet you'll get a reply from Linda Smith and Dee Keith.  They should
have good ideas.  Here are my thoughts...

I'd be interested in attending these myself -- maybe take along the Ohio
AAP Chapter Breastfeeding Coordinator -- and see what they say (about
bf, about Health professionals in general, etc.).  You might also
enquire if the conferences are having any kind of exhibit area that the
hospitals could have displays (then, coordinate with the other Tri-State
IBCLCs in their hospitals to have 'better' info available?!).

Maybe that reporter who was at the Baby-Friendly Award Luncheon could
interview the Ezzos -- they've been interviewed before in Denver, and
came across in a very negative light.

What kind of church is sponsoring the conference?  Are they part of a
larger group that has some kind of supervisory body (like a council of
churches, a synod, etc.?) that you could go to with some concerns?
Maybe get the AAP Ohio Chapter person to go with you or front the issue
(esp. since MDs may have more sway with the ministers?).  What about the
Cincinnati Commissioner of Health?  Is that person supportive of bf?
Would s/he be willing/able to write a letter to the host minister to
bring them aware of the potential health concerns?

You know, if they're going to do this, they're going to do this.  If we
can bring the ministers into an awareness that we agree that parents
need guidance, and applaud their efforts, hopefully they will listen to
us as health professionals who are concerned about the health of the
family and the baby.  Maybe the Ezzos could be asked these questions by
the ministers, or the ministers could provide extra guidance on the
issues.  I don't know that anyone will listen, but who knows.

Of course, if all else fails, who is that editorial cartoonist at the
Cincinnati Enquirer...?

Good Luck!  When's the conference?

--Doraine Bailey


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