I had originally sent this message to Cindy before her last LN post
as she had shared in a response to me her role as a screenwriter.
Since she has now revealed this to the list as a whole, I thought
I'd pass on my comments for whatever they are worth.


Cindy,

I think the most important thing I as an IBCLC would like portrayed
is that we really care about babies.  We firmly believe that a)
breastfeeding is the ideal food for babies and b) nearly every
mother has the ability to breastfeed.  We are often frustrated when
we have to work with (or around) individuals (professionals) that do
not believe breastfeeding is important, especially when those
individuals seem to be totally ignoring the evidence (which is
growing day by day).  We deal with a "product" that doesn't have the
immediate economic impact that formula does.  The formula industry
is a powerful force that is doing what any industry does-getting
their product out and making the public feel it is needed.
We recognize that breastfeeding can present challenges-some because
of society's attitudes, some because of lack of support and
misinformation, and some because of specific physical or medical
problems in mom and/or baby.  We want to help mom/baby couplets to
achieve the best possible breastfeeding experience in their
situation as well as trying to improve the overall climate for
breastfeeding.

There are a couple points that have been poorly portrayed in past
media.
1.  We do not say never, ever in any situation should a baby get
formula or a bottle.  Formula has a place just as crutches do, but
neither should be marketed as "close enough to the real thing" or
something "just as good".  We know that many babies have difficulty
learning both breast and bottle, especially at the beginning, so
when something interferes with normal breastfeeding, we try to
use/create means of getting nutrition to babies which has the least
likelihood of interfering with the mom/baby nursing relationship.
2. We do want to work with other health care professionals.  We
inform doctors of what we have learned and planned with moms and
babies who are their patients also.  We make ourselves available to
do inservices etc. for doctors, nurses, dietitians, students, etc.
3.  Lactation Consulting is a new and growing profession.  It is
growing fast only because there is a void which we are filling.  We
have the same "growing pains" as any profession.  We realize that
information is constantly changing and most of us make a real effort
to keep current.  As with any profession, there can always be some
"bad apples".  At least, for the vast majority, we aren't in it for
the money!

You might want to check out some of the material available from ILCA
(the professional organization) such as our Standards of Practice,
outline of Evidence-Based Practice, etc.  You might want to attend a
meeting of a local affiliate (chapter) of ILCA.
 Let me know if I can be of any further help and good luck with your
project.

Winnie Mading, RNC, IBCLC and, of course, MOM - 33 years of
experience working with breastfeeding moms/babies - one of the first
group to take the IBCLC certifying exam back in 1985 - and still
learning!

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