It is really easy to bash people, I am guilty of that myself. But the 
reality is, we do not know what the doctor/nurse/LC said to the patient 
that she is repeating back to you. I think one of the problems with 
Lactnet is often the lack of respect that is written in posts. We bash 
each other, we bash doctors. We argue or refuse to think about the other 
person's comments.

Perhaps this lack of respect or argumentative nature comes from the 
fight that most of us have had trying to breastfeed our own babies or 
trying to promote and protect breastfeeding with our patients. Less 
strong women would not take on breastfeeding as a career!! But this 
strong nature sometimes makes us "fight" when we should be listening and 
being respectful.

And Sam, the thing about doing phone help as an IBCLC, is you are 
responsible for this mom's situation and even though this is just a 
phone call to you, as a professional you gave her advice or information. 
You do not know what the HCP really said -- and as an IBCLC you must err 
on the side of caution. You do not know if something is wrong with the 
baby or not, you just have the mom's story. While it may sound minor and 
okay, as an IBCLC your role is different from an LLL Leader.

It will be up to you to find your comfort zone but this is something to 
think about. Should you be involved in a lawsuit, you want to make sure 
you have covered all the bases and have thoroughly investigated the 
situation and kept good written records. Doctors usually will not 
diagnose or treat over the phone -- they want to see you in the office 
to check things out.

It might be your information that is misconstrued to the pediatrician 
next time. As an LLL Leader, this doesn't really affect your 
professional life. As an IBCLC, this could keep you from achieving 
success or making a decent living.

I for one learned something and I thank those MDs who spoke out. I am 
going to stop that voice in my head next time when I feel a bashing 
coming on.

Kathy Eng, BSW, IBCLC, LLL Leader, Houston, TX

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