Hi Everyone,
Well, I've done it this time and it may mean my job! We have been fighting
the diaper bag issue and were ready to move the bags to the gift shop - an
intermediate step as we worked toward just looking at Baby-Friendly status.
After much resistence from staff, who clearly don't get it, and
administration who ended up not really in support of it at all, I drafted
the following e-mail to at least 6 key people in our organization that are
above me in the pecking order. It received an immediate appointment to our
Serivce Line Medical Director's office this Thursday morning. Why am I
sharing? I wanted to thank all of the listmemebers who have given me
inspiration to diligently plug away at this, because it is ethically the
right thing to do, and to give others incentive to work hard in their
respective organizations to create change, which is always a daunting task.
For me it was one of those times in my life I needed to stand strong for my
beliefs.
I have given up and admit defeat to the powers above and beyond......but
simply need to say this as a final step before I am able to move on. I
just hope you realize just how as an organization we are beholden to formula
companies in the name of "educational funds" and "supplies" and how much we
are being manipulated by them, and "forced" into hawking - ever so subtly, a
product which IS inferior to breast milk and affects outcomes to duration of
nursing over and over again.
In addition, the decision subsequently will affect the health of our nation
with ever increasing numbers of obesity, CAD, diabetes, autoimmune disorders
and a whole host of other related issues. It also affect the up to 70% of
our mothers, who would need much less formula if completely supported by
hospitals, physicians and nurses and our culture at large.
I am deeply disappointed in our organization for not standing up for what
is right for the health of our babies, since they have no voice, and for not
taking a stand against big business. No one would think twice about givng
diaper bags, it is so ingrained as "normal" , but wouldn't we think twice
about McDonald's giving free coupons or a happy meal to a weight loss
program, or a cigarette company giving free coupons in a smoking cessation
kit, or for that matter having our hospital give anything from another
vendor that would not be in the best interests of our hospital.
I thank everyone for their input and hours spent on this issue, especially
to the members of the Breastfeeding Ad Hoc committee for their time. I
respectfully agree to disagree. Amen.
" Until we separate fact from fiction, organic from inorganic, and anatomy
from culture, we cannot become a breastfeeding friendly society. Unitl we
treat formula as a treatment and not as a means to and end...we will not
make significant progression in increasing the duration of breastfeeding in
the United States.
(paraphrased from several sources - including but not limited to list
members!)
Any suggestions on my next step will gratefully be accepted!
LuAnn Smith
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