I think I might call up the midwife and introduce myself as a board cert. LC
and one of the local experts on bfg.  I'd offer to be of service if she has
questions about bfg. and try to inquire about her own expertise in that
area.  Then I think I'd say something like:  "You know how the grapevine is.
I like to go to the source when I hear people talking about someone else's
practice, and I'd like you to know that there is concern being expressed
about your advice to puncture nipples to create another milk outlet.  Since
there is no literature to support this practice, and since it exposes women
to infection, people are justifiably concerned.  If you really are
suggesting this, it would jeopardize your professional reputation and
negatively influence people's willingness to refer clients to you.  As you
may be unaware of the concern this advice is generating, I feel an
obligation as a breastfeeding expert to make you aware of it.  I'd like this
call to open up a dialog between us that will allow me to share some
information about the anatomy of the breast.  I think that once you see how
unnecessary it is to alter what nature has designed, this will become a
non-issue."

If she suggests that this is a cultural issue, say:  "I'm willing to learn.
Just what culture is it that suggests this and where may I read more about
it?"  I've certainly never heard of any such culture, but if there is, you
won't be able to change her belief until you have information on where she
picked up such a notion. If she says it's an oral trad. I would say:  "Many
cultural traditions are benign, some are neutral, but certainly there are
some - like genital mutilation of women -- that should be laid to rest.
Opening a new hole doesn't link the hole to a ductal system, which is how
milk is delivered to the outside.  It just makes a hole that hurts and can
get infected."

 I would then take it upon myself to begin sending her articles about bfg.


Barbara Wilson-Clay BSEd, IBCLC
Austin Lactation Associates
http://www.lactnews.com

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