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Date: | Fri, 27 Oct 2006 07:28:00 -0400 |
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Dear all:
When I worked in International Nutrition I had plenty of opportunity to look at the health care
systems within which we were trying to implement effective nutrition programs. So I am constantly
thinking about why it is so tough for women in Manhattan.
I see huge gaping holes in the care that women receive for breastfeeding Unites States that need
to be filled to help women to come closer to the meeting the WHO goals (among the many other
societal, cultural and work barriers).
I totally agree that we need more breastfeeding medicine specialists. I've been on a run this week
sending lots of clients to our beloved breastfeeding medicine specialist, but I'd love to have more
in Manhattan to work with.
I do not really see any fix for the situation that occurs in the hospitals in Manhattan until such
time that our health care system changes in a way that enables staffing nurses to an adequate
level and encourages more than drive-by lactation. I KNOW that many of the hospital lactation
consultants are highly dedicated and do the best they can within the structure that they have to
work. It simply does not permit them sufficient time to give the care that women tell me they
want and that I believe they deserve.
Then, there are hardly any private practice lactation consultants in Manhattan. There are just a
handful that work full time and not as a part time moonlighting endeavor. That to me, is absurd
in a city the size of Manhattan. I see many problems in our support groups that would not have
occured if these women could have found timely care. Neither I, nor my peers can solve this
problem by seeing more clients. We would simply burn out.
So, given the time it takes to become an IBCLC, the dearth of women interested in becoming an
IBCLC, the limitations on generating enough income as an IBCLC even here in Manhattan, and now
a possible reduction in our autonomy, I'm not sure how this gap will ever be filled. Except
perhaps developing further the idea of "Breastfeeding Coaches".
Best regards, Susan Burger, MHS, PhD, IBCLC
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