Dear Lactnet Friends:
I agree that more and more teaching programs are integrating lactation into
medical training. The 3rd year medical students at one school get their
second lecture from me, after their first one as first year students.
A question is then how to reach the community physicians, many of whom are
not members of their professional association?
Another concern is about the medicalization of the normal process of
breastfeeding. Here's a definition of medicalization: "Medicalization is
the process by which human conditions and problems come to be defined and
treated as medical conditions, and thus become the subject of medical
study, diagnosis, prevention, or treatment."
I am re-reading my 600 charts of normal breastfeeding from 20 years ago,
and realizing what a struggle it is for a new mother to find her ease and
comfort in this new relationship, whether it is a first time mom or a
multilacta.
Practical advice and encouragement is what mothers need to stick with the
challenges, and find their own way. Following guidelines about what the
relationship is supposed to look like doesn't work. Yes, the baby should
get milk and gain weight, and yes, the mother should be comfortable. But
beyond that, each relationship looks different. Medicalization does not
recognize individual variation during a process.
warmly,
Nikki
--
Nikki Lee RN, BSN, Mother of 2, MS, IBCLC, CCE, CIMI, ANLC, CKC
Author:* Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Breastfeeding Therapy*
www.nikkileehealth.com
https://www.facebook.com/nikkileehealth
*Get my FREE webinar series*
***********************************************
Archives: http://community.lsoft.com/archives/LACTNET.html
To reach list owners: [log in to unmask]
Mail all list management commands to: [log in to unmask]
COMMANDS:
1. To temporarily stop your subscription write in the body of an email: set lactnet nomail
2. To start it again: set lactnet mail
3. To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet
4. To get a comprehensive list of rules and directions: get lactnet welcome
|
