Coach Smith here again.

This is another fine line we walk, and Carol is correct - a real ethical
dilemma.

There are several pediatric practices in my city who won't refer to me
because:
1. I tell mothers that there is a treatment, provided by a licensed
professional, for tongue-tie.
2. I tell mothers that there is a treatment, provided by a licensed
professional, for babies with cranial asymmetry, poor suck, reflux, can only
nurse in one position, etc.
3. I tell mothers that there is a treatment, provided by a licensed
professional, for nipple thrush/oral thrush.
4. I tell mothers that there are resources, written by licensed
professionals, to find out whether a medication is REALLY contraindicated
during breastfeeding.
5. I tell mothers that there are documented risks to formula, pacifiers, and
epidurals.
6. I tell student athletes that there are documented risks to anabolic
steroids taken improve athletic performance.
7. And so on........

Withholding information from parents for "political" reasons is unethical,
sometimes unsafe, and possibly illegal. Just because the information is
inconvenient or unpopular or not "politically correct" in a given place does
not justify failing to provide sufficient information so that a client can
make a fully informed decision. Lactnet lawyers, please jump in here - it's
my understanding that the legal principle of informed consent does not allow
a professional to omit "inconvenient" information from the client.

Linda J. Smith, BSE, FACCE, IBCLC
Bright Future Lactation Resource Centre
Dayton, OH USA
http://www.bflrc.com