On Tue, 11 Jun 1996 21:41:08 EDT, Jeanette F. Panchula wrote:
>        You're an LC and are asked to work for a hospital to work for Baby
>Friendly Status.  After you have agreed and have helped them (together with
>exceedingly supporting Pediatricians, Maternity and Nursery Supervisors and
>Administrator)  implement a Breastfeeding Policy, teach staff about this
policy,
>instituted rooming-in not only in private but in semi-private rooms, bring
>breastfeeding equipment (pumps, rental for NICU babies, etc.), added a
>breastfeeding room for the NICU because now almost 100% (instead of 15%) of the
>babies are getting breast milk and have moms that plan to breastfeed (at least
>until the baby's out of danger), created a free prenatal breastfeeding class
>given monthly, have a breastfeeding "warmline" to whom moms not only from your
>hospital but from all over call,  - you learn that the hospital is
receiving not
>only free formula (a policy they are working on slowly reducing per the
>administrator who even stated this to a reporter - much to the chagrin of the
>formula company) but $$$ - lots of it - and this money goes into a pot from
>which your salary is paid.

Dear Jeanette,

I'd look at two things:

1.)  You are making a huge difference in SUPPORT of breastfeeding by doing your
job!  Even if the ABM companies were paying you directly, it would be worth
doing.

2.)  The ABM companies aren't paying your salary.  They are paying the hospital,
which should refuse the money, but that is not your fault.  Rather, you are
helping
the hospital to wean off the ABM company money.  You should feel proud of the
difference you are making!

Jonathan
************************************************
*           L. Jonathan Kramer, P.E.           *
*     Graduate Breastfeeding Counselor and      *
*        Student Lactation Consultant          *
* Only G-d knows the formula for mother's milk *
************************************************