reply to:
Hello Denny,

I would be happy to answer your Email, but since I have received a few
of them on the same topic , I almost think I should clarify my point at
the source . Is there any site where my views were commented on? So I
will try to prepare an answer which could have the benefit to establish
a dialog doctor/LS . Thank you . Michel
***************************
Dear Dr. Cohen,
If you would like to enlighten me, I will be happy to pass along your
comments, as the sources of chagrined emails come from a variety of sources
and websites.
Unfortunately, regardless of whatever comments and clarification you may
make to a group of what you refer to as "so called lactation specialists",
it will have no impact upon the women who read your already published book
and fail to get the professional assistance they need in order to
successfully breastfeed, due to your advise.

I am sincerely saddened that, while your personal experience with lactation
professionals may have been less than you expected, that you felt that one
individual's experience was enough to make a blanket condemnation of an
entire profession.  After all, not everyone has an excellent experience
with their physician, but that certainly doesn't mean that people should
completely shun "so called medical experts".

I'm afraid that your generalization will cause some women to give up
breastfeeding and that is such a shame.  Women choose to breastfeed for a
variety of reasons, many because they understand that breastmilk is better
for their baby than any other food.  Just imagine the feeling of "the first
important thing I can do for my baby after she's born is to breastfeed her,
and I have failed.  Thoughts of failing, of not being a "good" mother and
guilt over not being able to perform what is perceived to be a natural,
easy feminine function can not be a good foundation upon which to grow
confident parents.

I hope that before you write further on this topic, you will take the time
to become truly educated about lactation consultants, what education,
training, and testing is required to become an IBCLC (International Board
Certified Lactation Consultant) and speak to many women who have benefited
from their professional services.  I am confident you will emerge from the
experience a far more enlightened physician who will be able to provide
even better services for your patients.
Sincerely,
Denny Rice, RN, IBCLC





comments: Hello Dr. Cohen, I am one of the "so called" lactation
specialists.  I am also an RN.  I'm a bit disappointed that you
discourage moms from seeking help with breastfeeding when they are
having problems.  I can't tell you how many women call, crying, because
they aren't having success with breastfeeding, not because they're not
relaxed, but usually from not latching the baby on correctly.  When I
see them, their nipples are macerated, bleeding and some have full skin
thickness injuries.  These poor women desperately want to breastfeed and
are crying through the feedings.  Usually an hour or two of teaching
both mom  and baby how to get latched on properly and the problem is
solved and within a couple of days they are a happy nursing couple.  I
also work with moms whose babies have heart defects who require special
care, GERD, cleft palates, down syndrome and so on.  I really believe
that I provide a valuable service to the women who contact me.  An area
I am particularly fond of working in is mothers of multiples.  As a
mother of twins, I find I am able to provide moms with valuable "how to"
when it comes to breastfeeding more than one baby.  I understand that
you have a different opinion, but I am sorry that women who read your
book may abandon breastfeeding rather than get qualified assistance when
things don't go as nature intended.
Sincerely,
Denny Rice, RN, IBCLC

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