Ellen,
When facing the firing squad, perhaps you can remind everyone (gently) that
you are merely the messenger. The information on bf has changed in the past
decade; everyone is in a position of needing to learn. I'm assuming you
didn't set out to antagonize everyone by making up new bf info? ;->

I know that we have professional references up the wazoo with which you can
be "armed." And I also know that every maternal & child health organization
in the world (as far as I know) is broadcasting to its members that bf is to
be promoted and supported. It wouldn't hurt to have a collection of
these references. However, the "argument" that I have found most effective
when facing the firing squad consists of pointing out how information
dispensed in "our" facility compares to the "lay" literature that parents
read.

Today's parents can choose from many books, most of which have a high level
of bf information (despite the fact that LCs like myself can nitpick even
the best!). There is not a book store of any size that does not carry at
least one book on bf; most have a pretty good assortment. Parent magazines
often have sound bf advice. I would bring in a few of the best books and
articles that your patients are likely to read -- perhaps your hospital has
a bookstore that sells them? While you are at it, stack on a few books aimed
at the professionals. We should strive to provide a level of information,
and deliver care, comparable to what our patients read about. I think many
providers are surprised when they see the plethora of bf information that is
circulating.

If there is any way to enlist others (peds, nursery nurses) to help comb
through the current information and form policy (i.e., "let's share what
gets said meetings") that will be crucial. After all, this "radical"
information isn't YOUR idea. Let others see that for themselves.

I work in an out-patient setting. Patients who come to me often blame the
hospital for their bf problems, even when it isn't justified. There is
nothing good that comes from a patient who thinks the hospital staff are
behind the times. Medical professionals who try to get by with information
that is outdated are living in a fool's paradise. Can you think of any
business that can compete in today's market if the customers lose faith in
the merchant?

Personally, I think it sounds like your firing squad are the ones wearing
the blindfolds. Good luck. We'll all be pulling for you.

Margery Wilson, IBCLC