Barbara wrote about the hospital in her town that wants to be certified as
Baby Friendly.  She shared some history and current practices that indicate
they have a LOT of changes to make.  But hey!  They have an awareness of
where they want to be, even if they don't yet realize just how much they
have to change.

Barbara, why did the "lactation specialist" call you to tell you this news?
 Are they looking for your help and support?  I can imagine how hard it
must be, given the history you shared, to believe that they can get Baby
Friendly certification.  Is this the opportunity for you to take a deep
breath, smile and repeat yet again what you have been saying for so long?
Maybe they really are ready to listen now.  Maybe some high priced
consultant just told them that this is a great marketing tool for their OB
unit. The administrators' motivation may not really matter in the end. You
have training, knowledge and experience they need.  You just have to meet
them where they are (in their own learning process) and keep a positive
outlook-- keep in mind the mothers and babies who will ultimately benefit
and try to ignore all the ninny administrators who made all the wrong
decisions in the past.

Best of luck to you!

Kathleen Bellis
neophyte at hospital politics, but survivor of corporate politics
Hershey, PA

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