Sandra,

You did a wonderful job!

You have also pinpointed where things went wrong. [the first step in
correcting the problem]

Take that info and work to educate those who don't have enough background.
 The ER might be the most receptive - just guessing.  Brief presentations
and "how to recognize" types of hand outs work well.

As far as complaints go...  well thats a tough one.  What happened did so
out of ignorance of BF and presence of standard protocols.  My personal
experience is that people are more open to "change" when they are not busy
trying to save their own necks.  That's up to you.

A suggestion:  take all your anger and use the energy it produces to write
a rough draft of the handout mentioned above.

Oh yes,  Give lots of praise to the people who did the "right things" (ie.
contact you)   These people will become your greatest allies in make
changes and educating others.

Good Luck! [and again, nice work!]

Gail
Gail Hertz, MD
Pediatric Resident
author of the little green breastfeeding book - disclaimer: owner of Pocket
Publications

> NOW ... my question.  Considering:  1) Mom's documented desire to
breastfeed
> baby; 2) MD's & Nursing's disregard of feeding choice (no medical reason
for
> this variance was noted in the medical record); 3) Staff's neglecting to
> educate about breastfeeding, normal stools, etc.; 4) Mom's applaudable
> intentions and great compliance, but lack of confidence and
assertiveness; 5)
> Inappropriate treatment plan from ER visit that compounded the problem
and
> likely was the cause of Baby's slow weight gain; and 6) 5-day
hospitalization
> that could most likely have been avoided with proper care, treatment, and
> education -- what should I do??  Variance report?  Complaint -- to whom?
> Anything else?  I'm so furious about this whole situation I can hardly
think
> straight.
>
> -Sandra McMillan, RD
> Dillon SC
>
>