Hi all,
Looking for wisdom here.  I have worked for almost 3 years, part time in our
hospital's Lactation Center.  Our coordinator has now left and I am
interviewing for the full time coordinator position.  When I spoke to the
Maternity Manager about the job description, she made it clear that her goal
was healthy babies, not just breastfeeding.  She wants to ensure that no
mother is "guilty" if she doesn't nurse and will want the LC to help teach
the formula moms also.  She feels that the previous attitude set up an
antagonistic relationship with the Peds and now they do not want to send
their patients to us when they need help with breastfeeding.  I have been
told in the past to stop putting the Ross Labs booklets on "Becoming a Dad"
and "Naming your baby" in the closet during my breastfeeding class. I was
told "No one choses to formula feed just because they see a bear".  My
arguement was futile.  My dilema falls in that I do feel I am an asset to the
department, and I also believe that if I don't do the job, someone else will.
The Manager is not going to change her way of thinking.  Her first child was
formula fed, and got A's in school.  Her breastfed child barely got through.
AND she is ALWAYS right!!   I would love to hear from others that don't work
at Baby Friendly Hospitals and have to deal with this to know that I would
not be alone.  I am going to give the Manager a copy of the ILCA code of
ethics and have her ensure me that she would not make me go against this.  Is
there an easy access to the WHO code on the web?  Please email me privately.
Thanks in advance!  Claudia G  RN/IBCLC

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