Lactnetters,  I often want to reply to many of the postings, but
don't for lack of confidence I guess.  need a self esteem boost.
     In regards to discharge packs- about 2 yrs. ago my 2 LC
colleagues and I did an inservice for pediatricians& family docs-I
think we called it breastfeeding update.  We had appropriate journal
articles available and brought samples of the d/c packs.  The only
reason we were successful in eliminating d/c packs was the chief of
ped. was appalled when he saw the free formula and the free
pedialyte.  Because of his support, all d/c packs were eliminated,
breastfeeding and formula feeding.  We LCs were delighted, but the
other nurses were angry and so afraid of bf babies dehydrating before
the milk came in!  The nurses sometimes just give out formula anyway-
and there have been a few times when it has been necessary.
Unfortunately, our chief of peds is moving away-we'll have to be on
guard!
     I also find that pediatricians equate breastmilk and abm.  They
give subtle and not so subtle messages to parents and parents-to-be.
A couple taking childbirth classes from me said the ped. they
interviewed said breastmilk and formula were the same! I said I
disagreed and gave reasons - but he's a doctor and I'm a nurse...
     Pay scales- In the hosp. where I work, (@1200 births/year), the
job description for LC is- an RN IBCLC - we cover postpartum and NICU
 6 days/week, 8 hrs./days at least. (3 LCs job share)  plus prenatal bf classes and a
lactation clinic (slow).  We are staff nurse I , which is one step up
the clinical ladder from a regular staff nurse-a little more pay, a
lot more responsibility.  I think the reasons we are required to be
RNs is 1.) the 2 nurses who started it were RNs, 2.) In a hosp., the
other nurses and docs are used to nurses working w/ bf moms.,
therefore more easily accepted into the new position of LC. 3.) the
hosp. can save money by using us as staff nurses when the census is
high and staff is low - we are pulled to work as postpartum nurses( and go
nuts trying to do everything)   it all comes down to money- just like
d/c packs, abm company bf booklets, etc.   sorry this so long- it's
like the dam broke!
Pam Capetta RN IBCLC ICCE
from rainy, buggy, Hermon Maine.