Hi all.  I have a question/comment which I must unload.  I work at a
breastfeeding center which is located in a hospital.  What is really irking
me is the heck of a time we have in getting doctors to refer patients to us
for zillions of breastfeeding-related problems. These include FTT, slow
weight gain, latch on problems, you name it.  I just don't understand - if
these moms had babies with neurological problems,  internal problems, bone
problems, etc, they would have no problem referring them to a specialist.
 What is so darn hard about making a referral to someone who can help them
with something so important, like helping them to survive nutritionally??

Maybe that's it - the doctors feel like this is a subject they *should* know
something about, and they don't want to look like fools (even though they are
fools, for not training themselves in this area which is basic to infant
survival!!)

Don't get me wrong - I know there are some very supportive doctors out there
who know a thing or two about lactation, or at the very least will make a
referral and ADMIT it when they don't know everything.  We have one here
where I live.  But that's the problem.  We only have one!  Do any of you have
any suggestions for getting the other docs to make appropriate referrals on a
consistent basis?

Frustrated in Flagstaff,
Brenda Phipps