Dear Respected colleagues,
Today, Aug. 6, 1996 the hospital where I am employed decided that they want
to research the process of becoming a "baby friendly" designated facility.
This was announced to me by the department directors of obstetrics and
neonatology at a multi-disciplined hospital breastfeeding committee.
They had decided the idea was worth presenting to the hospital
administration as a chance to improve our image to the community and make a
statement in support of breastfeeding.

As the "designated but not recognized" hospital LC, I have been persistantly
and patiently talking this up for the past 4 years. I do not have to tell
you how ecstatic I was to hear this new announcement right in the middle of
WBF week.

Now with my work cut out for me, and not wanting to have to recreate more
work already done, I have a few questions for those who have gone through
this LOOOOng process. I bravely plodded through the requirements with this
optimistic group and they still declared,"YES! we can do it!" These are the
questions I am looking for help with;

1. What are the best estimated costs for purchasing all ABM used in a
hospital with approx. 3000 del. /yr. with breastfeeding rates approx 65%?
(Approx. 1200 babies will still receive ABM with approx 300 needing "special
care ABM" in the NICU)

2. What are some of the expected/ unexpected experiences that occur once a
hospital starts the process? Specifically:
             ABM manufacturers actions and statements to the hospital?
             Any unpredictable negative responses from staff nurses?
             Any negative responses from patients?

3. What is your BEST advice to someone beginning this work?

I am blessed to have very supportive physicians and nursing administrators
on this committee who are able to pull off major changes. The first step the
hospital has approved is the approval of a position for an IBCLC with a job
description and role that parallels that of a clinical specialist. ((Yes -
the requirement is IBCLC or IBCLC elegible -not required to be an RN- but,
bilingual in Spanish preferred)(YES ITS OPEN TO OUTSIDE APPLICANTS!)
 This committee is also familiar with Evergreen Hospital's experience and
yes! the BFHI learning experience video from UNICEF did help.
I am refraining from giving out too many specifics as I have had backlash
from postings on other lists from lurking ABM reps! Yes! I may sound
paranoid but they monitor this list too!

TIA for any reponses. You can E-mail me privately at [log in to unmask]
or simply reply to lactnet so that we all can be enlightened.

My heart goes out to all of you working so hard at promoting, protecting and
supporting. HANG IN THERE























Caroline Edwards RNC IBCLC
Atlantic City Medical Center-NICU
Atlantic City, NJ
609-441-8186
[log in to unmask]