There's a faulty dilemma in this thread, too. Who says that we only get ONE
chance to check on a baby post-birth?

Climbing up on my well-worn soapbox and putting on my pink "Linda's opinion"
hat -

"If birth is so dangerous that professionals have to help/observe/attend,
then the same professionals should be very knowledgeable about
breastfeeding, and BE AROUND very frequently until the baby and mom are
clearly and measurably doing well."  There. I've said it. Again.

You can't have it both ways - there's plenty of funding for expensive
high-tech birth interventions, but all I hear is whining that professional
postbirth breastfeeding support is "too expensive."  Balderdash!  Any
society that can "afford" on-site, short-notice repair of computers,
copiers, and other office equipment can put the same funding into "fixing"
moms and babies on site, in their homes.

Now I'm on a roll. Nobody blinks when they pay an auto mechanic shop
$65/hour, plus parts, to fix a broken radiator, but they won't pay the same
rates for lactation services to keep a mom and baby breastfeeding. Crazy
priorities, in my opinion. If parents think breastpumps are too expensive,
they're in for a shock when they go out to buy their child new sneakers. I
think the expression goes something like "If you think education is
expensive, try ignorance."   Sheesh!

Climbing down now, and wishing all who celebrate Thanksgiving a peaceful,
happy holiday....

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

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