Nikki Lee writes:
< A small correction: Doris Haire can't turn over in her grave, because
she
is very much alive and had an article on this very topic published in the
latest ICEA Journal.>
Thanks, Nikki! I NEEDED that!
Pat Young wrote:
<, you are a great writer, why not do a "Cultural Warping of
Childbirth II". I think we have so many more issues than Doris did!
Well
maybe not more important, but different to say the least and just as
important in their own ways. I know you could easily get lots of
contributors!! And yes, I think poor Doris is revolving in her grave
:-)>
I feel very honored by your confidence in me, Pat, but I was just
sharing my reaction to your own story. As my gaffe re: Doris's demise
points out, I have not kept up on ICEA, or its publications, for a long
time. It sounds as if Doris is doing fine with "her baby (C.W. of CB)"
without my help. At least, my "foot in mouth" will attract attention to
her article!
I am afraid "the fire" has gone out of my belly about changing the
childbirth climate personally. One has to choose one's battles. The time
came when I needed to move on. I kid you not, there was a time in the
early 1970's when a local OB-Gyn (a woman who had formerly been an L&D
nurse!) actually reported me to the state medical board and proposed at
the local OB-GYN monthly meeting that I be "censured" (whatever that
would mean). Fortunately, I understand her motion lost by one vote.
I earned the ire for the frank "Stork Reports" and an article that I
wrote for the local CEA newsletter. In it, I explained about potential
compromise of the baby's oxygen supply during Pitocin induction (then
given sub-lingually or in the cheek pouch!!!Absolutely no way to slow it
down or stop its absorption quickly!), and a mother's rights to have even
IV pitocin slowed down. 3 years later, the FDA took buccal pitocin off
the market. I felt vindicated.
I also once led the L&D nurses in a quiet, assertive revolt against
cooperating in "snowing" the patients of another doctor. This culminated
in their refusing to personally administer repeat medications they felt
uncomfortable about. They unlocked and signed for the narcotic vials and
handed them to him unopened, along with a new syringe, so that he could
administer them himself, if he really wanted them administered.
To make this breastfeeding related, I really got to see a lot of severe
engorgement in those days, as his patients stayed in the hospital for 5
days, and it took a few days for the MOTHER to be alert, let alone the
baby!
My torch has been passed to those of you who still have that fire in your
belly. My embers are now focused on reflecting light on the microscopic,
histological characteristics of the human milk sinuses!
K. Jean Cotterman RNC, IBCLC
Dayton, Ohio USA
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