You know, the more we read about this scenario, the more questions that 
come to light. Is this "midwife" a CNM or a non-nurse midwife (CPM)? The 
training varies so as does the different types of health care available to 
people who go with the non-nurse midwife practitioner. Medical personnal 
are understandably suspicious of some of these "practitioners." However, I 
am not trying to initiate a debate on what is the appropriate type of HCP.

Now, we have added the possibility that the parents were reluctant to go 
to a pediatrician because of their hesitation to vaccinate. This brings in 
a whole new dimension. So now, maybe we are dealing with a baby who has 
never yet been seen at all! This is more of a concern!

I am usually the last one to jump and point fingers, but here I think, we 
have a case for someone needing to advocate for this baby. I continue to 
be very worried about the health and potential well-being of this baby. 
Someone official needs to be involved. Would this family have access to a 
visiting nurse? Someone needs to be the eyes and ears for this baby in the 
home. Sometimes, it takes getting the 'big guns" involved to help some of 
these more "anti-establishment" families see the importance of proper 
follow-through. We see these types of patients on occasion and they are 
often very suspicious and difficult to deal with. 

Personally, I would like to know if this baby has actually seen a doctor 
ever at all. If this midwife is any kind of qualified professional, she 
would be advocating for the baby's well-being, and not protecting the 
family.

If, after all this time, the IBCLC involved still has concerns, I think it 
is time to make an anonomous referral to DCF or Child Protective Services 
(or whatever the Department of Children and Families is called in the 
infant's immediate area). Someone needs to be following this up as soon as 
possible. We need to remember that we are all mandated reporters.

I am sorry to sound so negative and suspicious but my years of experience 
in this field cause my antennas to rise really quickly this time!
Betsy Riedel RNC, IBCLC
Connecticut

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