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Thu, 4 May 1995 15:36:50 -0400 |
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Dear Kathleen A: Thanks for your comments about specialist referrals. I
guess as you can see by Terry Lynn Dise's response, I'm not the only family
doctor bothered by the prevalent attitude about specialists. I was not
referring to that particular case, however, and if you've found a lactation-
friendly dermatologist, by all means cultivate him. As the recent survey by
Gary Freed demonstrated (JAMA Feb. 8/95), physicians overall (both residents
and practising physicians) have abysmal knowledge levels about lactation, so
finding an MD with any useful lactation knowledge is a challenge, regardless
of their specialty. This of course is no big surprise to anyone on lactnet!
Insofar as finding a primary doctor locally who would be helpful with
lactation-related issues, I don't know anyone in your area. However, I would
recommend two avenues: La Leche League's directory of Medical Associates,
and the local chapter of the Academy of Family Physicians(the AAFP has a very
positive statement about breastfeeding promotion and recently endorsed the
"ten steps"; this is purely anecdotal, but I find family physicians to be
among the most supportive of breastfeeding, although not always more
knowledgeable). As for writing to family practice journals, I did recently
have a paper published in American Family Physician (March 1995), entitled
"Overcoming Social and Medical Barriers to Breastfeeding". Good luck,
Alicia. [log in to unmask]
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