BFHI Step #10: "Foster the establishment of breastfeeding support groups
and refer mothers to them on discharge from the hospital or clinic."  That
group already exists, and it's called La Leche League.

Diane, you make an excellent point of the importance of follow-up with La
Leche League! Here we have 95% BF initiation rate with drop-off. No follow
up is done and no LLL group exists here.

Any suggestions or ideas to promote continued BF in a fourth world country?

We very pro-bf from the top down. My meaning is that the national government
supports BF, the state supports BF, the hospital staff supports BF but the
local women resist being told what to do. The formula reps were thrown out
10-15 years ago. The hospital does not supply ABM. A lactacting employee
will be sought ought if the bio-mom can't nurse. It is working towards Baby
Friendly status.

IMO, the problem is that the locals, after 200 years of occupation are fed
up with being told what to do. Paradoxically, the U.S. culture is very
influential and locals think the American women use ABM and follow suit.

Suggestions and ideas are welcomed.


Lisa Boisvert-Mackenzie, Midwife
East Caroline Islands, Pacific Ocean

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