I've apparently majorly offended several people with my post on
degregulation vs. regulation.  Let me first say sorry and that it certainly
was not my intent.    I've also seen some rather nasty effects of people who
just hang out a shingle and call themselves whatever they wish.  On the
other hand, I freely utilize certain professionals whom I know haven't
completed all the possible training in a particular area, but who are
exceptionally gifted and experienced.

I have done extensive research on this in the health services arena and if
you are interested in some of the issues, I'd be happy to post a
bibliographical list so you may dive into the pros and cons Health Services
Research (HSR) discussion about this.  For those who are interested, I
co-authored a paper in 1994 published in the JOURNAL OF HEALTH POLITICS,
POLICY AND LAW, entitled 'BIRTH CHOICES, THE LAW AND MEDICINE: BALANCING
INDIVIDUAL FREEDOMS AND PROTECTION OF THE PUBLIC'S HEALTH."  vol. 19, no.4:
813-832.

Without mentioning names, here is partially what I responded in private...If
you've had all this experience and make it clear up front that you are in
uncharted territory (unlike most MDs following the watch one, do one, teach
one rule) I would indeed be delighted to utilize your services.  In fact, my
second son's pregnancy was an attempted home VBAC with a lay midwife (direct
entry is the preferred term here).

I too believe in consumerism; however, during a lactation crisis is NOT the
best time to become educated in all the ins and outs of lactation
experiential training or educational methods.  Ideally, all parents would
become self-educated before or during pregnancy (I strongly urge all
pregnant women to attend LLL meetings and bf classes).

Well, I could go on, but hopefully this clarifies this a bit.
--
--Chris Hafner-Eaton, PhD, MPH, CHES, IBCLC    [log in to unmask]
INFANT CUISINE AND MOTHER CARE: Lactation Consulting, Perinatal Health
Education and Attachment Parenting Classes for parents and practitioners

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