Valerie, I agree with your insights.

I'd just like to point out something that some people don't realize about
those infant mortality statistics. You correctly point out that we rank
25th in the world. However, some babies are not "counted" in other
countries for various reasons, so their rates of mortality look falsely
lower than ours. This is a demonstration of what my father always
cautioned: Statistics lie, and liers make statistics!


>"If there is threat of lawsuit the care will be TOP NOTCH.."  I have to
>disagree with that statement.  Just looking at the situation of
>Obstetrics in the U.S. reveals that the threat of lawsuit does not mean
>better outcomes. Last time I looked the U.S. ranked 25th in infant
>mortality rates among industrialized nations.  One would think that we
>would rank first or second.  I believe that the threat of lawsuits keeps
>OBs practicing invasive and defensive medicine to the detriment of women
>and their babies.  I believe that threats of lawsuits are ever-present.
>It has created a climate of distrust, fear.  It has also created the
>escalating insurance costs for HCPs.  Sadly, it often means that
>creative answers to problems cannot be tried because of the risk of
>lawsuit by deviating from the standards of care.  Valerie W. MCClain,
>IBCLC
>



--
Marie Biancuzzo
Perinatal Clinical Nurse Specialist
[log in to unmask]
Resources to simplify breastfeeding management are available at
http://www.wmc-worldwide.com

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