In a message dated 10/7/98 10:56:56 AM, Jeanne M wrote:

<<.....example of hospital policy producing pathology.....automatically
treated as a baby at risk for hypoglycemia, ....... routinely taken to the
nursery for
"observation" of blood sugars. During home births, mothers who give birth to
10 pounders are given unrestricted access to baby.  These big ones may nurse
more often..... >>

This is an example of why it is helpful and important for hospital based LCs
to get out into the other world of non-intervention birthing and see for
ourselves. I/we may have heard about it, attended presentations on it, seen
videos of it, and talked to midwives and doulas about it. All these
experiences add up to help broaden awareness and change attitudes. We also
need to see it in real life.  A goal could be to contact a free standing birth
center run by midwives and set up some opportunities to be exposed to/learn
about their practice of supporting birth, bonding and breastfeeding. Then we
will become change agents on the inside of the system. There is a whole
nuhther non-problem oriented, wellness based world out there, but I've only
seen glimpses of it so far.

Deborah Tobin RN BSN IBCLC LCCE
Northern Virginia USA
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