Let me state at the start that I have not yet read the statement from ILCA.  Not to get into a vaccinate/don't vaccinate discussion, but to let you know where my feelings stand; I am generally in favor of vaccines.  However, I tend to agree that for ILCA to reccommend one is starting to step outside our area of expertise. Certainly, we need to get out information on the affect or non affect of vaccinations on the breastfeeding relationship.  (Can I nurse after getting a vaccination?  Does nursing impact the effectiveness of vaccines given to my baby?  Is there any difference in reccommended vaccination schedules for a nursing baby? etc.)  In the current discussion of concerns over the H1N1 flu, ILCA could certainly say things like: "The CDC (or whatever govenrmental agency applies to specific locales) reccommends....."  or "A mother who is considered immune by either previous case of the disease or previous vaccination need not be separated from her baby." or "There are currently mixed opinions as to whether a vulnerable mother or one currently exhibiting symptoms needs to be separated from her baby.  Many feel she can have contact with her baby after having recieved the vaccine."

This is a potentially serious disease and there is a lot of confusion as to the best approach.  We do not want to "turn off" potential breastfeeding supporters who have concerns about vaccines when there are still some questions about how best to handle the pandemic in relation to nursing couplets.  When we are giving information, we need to be able to separate what are proven factors impacting the couplet and which are current thoughts, reccommendations etc. while ast the same time not imposing our personal non-breastfeeding views.  

I can think of another somewhat similar (but certinly not totally similar)  situation. Suppose a mom comes to you and says, "I am nursing my 13 month old and just learned I am pregnant.  I need to terminate this pregnancy.  How will that procedure affect my milk supply?"  No matter the LC's view on abortion, isn't it her job to give the mom the specific info she is asking for and not make it a discussion on the pros and cons of terminating the pregnancy?

PLEASE DO NOT TAKE THIS AS THE START OF A DISUCSSION ON ABORTION!!   My intent is simply to discuss how we handle situations where an LC and a mom have different views on non-breastfeeding issues and where the line stands on what positions ILCA should take as an organization.

Winnie Mading IBCLC

             ***********************************************

Archives: http://community.lsoft.com/archives/LACTNET.html
To reach list owners: [log in to unmask]
Mail all list management commands to: [log in to unmask]
COMMANDS:
1. To temporarily stop your subscription write in the body of an email: set lactnet nomail
2. To start it again: set lactnet mail
3. To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet
4. To get a comprehensive list of rules and directions: get lactnet welcome