STill a few days behind ya'll but I wanted to comment on Lisa's post <<I call the moms my "clients", not my patients. I make "assessments", not diagnoses (this gets really fun when I must determine a differential.........uh, assessment?). And then I make "suggestions" for a care plan, which may be practical or of a pharmaceutical nature.>> This is reminiscent of the old "SOAP" charting method, which I've always liked. Is that still used? S- subjective data [nipple pain 8 on 0-10 scale;pain decreased to 3 with deeper latch] O- objective data [scabs blisters bruises noted, describe latch, swallows etc; ] A-assessment [shallow latch] P-plan [taught optimal position/latch, etc] By the way I believe the prescribing discussion has been very fruitful and this is a "slippery slope" or gray area in our practice. Personally, in re herbs, I offer this as one option but recommend that the mother discuss it with her primary provider {physician} first. I do recommend ibuprofen for engorgeemnt, first asking about allergies, then if they usually take this for headaches or other aches, then saying "yuou can take 400mg every 4 to 6 hrs if this is ok with your physician." Yes seems a little strange that she could do this on her own becuase it is an over the counter drug, but from my interpretation of nurse practice, prescribing, etc I feel this is the safest thing to do. Laurie Wheeler, RN, MN, IBCLC Violet Louisiana, s.e. USA ______________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com *********************************************** The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(TM) mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to: http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html