10/27/98

To: Leslie Moonves, President, CBS Entertainment

I am writing about Episode 4 of Chicago Hope, "The Breast and the
Brightest." There was alot of misinformation about breastfeeding in that
episode.  For example, moms do not have to pump and dump for days
following surgery, and doctors do not have to pump in bathroom stalls
(doesn't this dr. have an office???!!!).  But mostly, I was shocked that
the information about the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) was
so far from the truth. I am currently involved with working with and for
the baby friendly process. IT INVOLVES NO CONTRACTS FOR THE FAMILIES,
but rather promotes an environment that is supportive of breastfeeding.
If the hospital was truly baby friendly, the staff and the families
would be highly educated about breastfeeding, as that is part of the
BFHI process.

A lactation consultant (LC) should always be board certified (IBCLC).
Our number 1 rule is "feed the baby" and we are quick to recommend
supplementation when that is warranted, as would have been in your
fictional case.  An LC would have looked for a whole set of indicators,
which are obvious during the first week, and would quickly intervene to
feed the baby if necessary, while at the same time working on improving
the breastfeeding to its optimal level.  THESE INDICATORS SHOULD HAVE
BEEN MENTIONED IN YOUR SHOW so that families would know if they were in
fact doing well with breastfeeding or needing help.  I hope in the
future you will use a board certified LC or a medical doctor who is a
member of the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine as your consultant on
this topic.

Laurie Wheeler, RN, MN, IBCLC
mailto:[log in to unmask]
Coordinator, Louisiana Breastfeeding Mediawatch


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