The Tipat-chalav ("drop of milk") mother-baby clinics in Israel have
pros and cons.  On one hand, we can be proud that all babies get good
medical care, immunizations and are screened for potential developmental
problems.  How fortunate we are that no pregnant woman or
new mother has to turn to the emergency room because she can't afford
health insurance.  The downside of socialized medicine is the revolving
door- sometimes impersonal care.  As someone who worked at Tipat Chalav
for three years, I can verify that most appointments last 15 minutes.
The mom comes in, routine questions asked, baby weighed, immunization
given, out the door.  The nurses don't have the time or the training to
deal with breastfeeding problems.  Sorry, I mean MOST don't.  There are
some really good dedicated nurses who go out of their way. Lactation
counseling is very time consuming.  A good nurse should be able to
assist with breastfeeding.  If she can't or doesn't have the time, she
should refer to a qualified LC in the community.

Susan Nachman-Srebrnik, IBCLC
Ranana, Israel