This has been a major bone of contention, the hospitals need to work closer 
with the LC's in private practice.  Letting the new moms know there are very 
competent people out there waiting to help.....and making proper referrals.   I 
find that the hospitals tend to be so territorial...they need to be everything to 
everyone...that should not be the case. As a matter of fact, I believe it is 
negligent not to refer out.  Does a diabetic get discharged without a referral 
to a nutritionist?  Does an alcoholic get discharged without information 
regarding AA and other programs? 
Hospitals contract with hairdressers to cut patients hair but they don't or 
won't contract outside LC's to follow-up their new moms.
Working with new mothers and babies is our specialty and we are grossly 
underused.  Most of us are available to see many more couple than we do. 
I have been in this business for almost 20 years and still, as was said, too 
many breastfeeding relationships are falling right through the cracks the first 
week or two.  And frankly, there is no way the hospital could or should be 
soley responsible for the follow-up.  They are having enough trouble doing the 
in-hospital care....this is our expertise...let us do it!

Maria Parlapiano RN, IBCLC
Postpartum Place
Chatham, NJ

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