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Tue, 11 Jul 1995 22:37:01 -0400 |
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I can relate to the same feelings concerning moving in to the new LC
position. I have requested for 2 and half years for my position as LC at my
hospital. We are probably the last hospital in the Tidewater area without
one. I was told no one wanted to risk my career options because of my
senority and you know how LC is seen as "the cutting edge of Nursing" what a
pun! So I got tired hitting my head against the wall. I gradually took a
break in grad school when my girlfriend giggled about receiving an
advertisement for GU Masters with a Lactation track. I told her I was
interesterd and began working further on my LC work. I got pretty desperate
and volunteered to go to Croatia with the Navy Fleet Hospital Five supporting
the United Nations Peacekeepers for 6 months, leaving behind my supportive
husband and 2 sons, 8 & 3 . I knew I was coming to an end of my career and
wanted something special to take with me. Memories. Even in Zagreb, Croatia
the women are westernizied and mix breast/ bottle like Americans. I should
also mention, that amongst 40,000 Peacekeepers and a zillion United Nations
employees (war is hell on the payroll) I did see 10 pregnant women who were
married wives of Peacekeeper, United Nations employee or Embassy spouse. I
couldn't resist doing Lepolds or listen to fetal heart tones. I would also
bring up the subject of BF. Again a well-diversified group of culture
/religion/ethnic backgroud and not any different than our society. I guess
that's Americanization for you. What a disappointment.
So that's how I landed my job, came back and they got along with me for 6
mo so I had a let sympathy for leaving my family, giving up my cushy job as a
Charge nurse on Surgical Peds and not sure if I was going to be promoted or
retire.
It has been great on the good days and on tuff days, I wonder why I care
and try so hard when I could give- in like those mothers who bottle feed for
"convience". The professionals are the hardest nuts to crack for this
breastfeeding freak on the loose. I will put in a prayer request to
overcome negatism & skeptism in response to my request to inform familes to
feed their child breastmilk.
It is only after 4 fast & fun mos. that now the 2 postpartum floors are
requesting me to educate them on what I do so they may assist me in
reinforcing the imfo and techq. Everywhere I turn around I find people
believing in what I do is valuable and willing to help me in my efforts. I
can't believe it.
As one nurse stated, You are rubbing off on us. That's the difference.
Preaching what we practice.
I think the only time I have a problem is when people do not know my
reputation or style of doing business. They become hostile & say "its a
personal choice. I tell them I' m behind the woman who does not BF 100%. I
dont hassle her . Frankly business is too good. I would'nt be able to
handle !00% of BFeeders. But I do expect them to support BFers 100% just
like they do the non Breastfeeders.
Hey, if I can get the Formula Reps to understand there will be no promotion
of any formula to BFers or non BFers during Aug 1-7 for World BF Week. I'm
doing pretty good. Hang in there!!!
I love my job but I like to adventure on my own with some other LCs and start
our business. Anybody
interested?.
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