In a message dated 6/13/00 12:24:05 AM, [log in to unmask] writes:

<< My point is, that while I have not given up on my efforts to educate
physicians, I focus more on the parents. No doctor can tell a mother she
*cannot* bf unless she allows it to happen. Maybe I have seen too many
residents sleep through bf in-services or Grand Rounds, but I am not
enthusiastic about making rapid changes among them. IMO, real change will
come when either the majority of parents demand it or HCP's are held
accountable for the damage that artificial feeding is doing to children.
Jennifer Tow, IBCLC, CT, USA >>

Very interesting thread.
I'd like to share a few comments.  I've noticed even when I am "diplomatic",
if I try to "educate my colleagues" with a even a hint of "you need to know
this, you are not aware," they are not very receptive.  When I acknowledge
their expertise and also validate that they are people who make decisions
(even if I do not agree with them), I have a chance of finding common ground.

I am not surprised that the MD types were not receptive to information from
chiropractors and massage therapists.  Perhaps they did not consider these
professionals to be credible sources.  Allopathic medicine is changing, there
are more MD's who are receptive to complementary medicine.  However many
physicians are skeptical of anything outside of the western curative model.
It is a slow process.

I would suggest finding a physician ally and nurturing that alliance first.
Approach those physicians who are not receptive through more indirect means.

In my 17 years as a physician, I have learned that change is especially
difficult for those trained in Western medicine.  I've learned to cajole,
humor and above all find common ground with those who do not share my
clinical approach.

Teaching by soft power rather than hard power (or in other words you catch
far more flies with honey than vinegar).

Pierrette Mimi Poinsett, MD FAAP
Modesto CA

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