Patricia wrote:

"I am not sure from whence this ratio originates... I think that we should
look at hospitals with exceptional programs and look at their ratios as
quidelines... does anyone know the ratio at evergreen?
  I believe the Georgia hospital that provides 24 hour lactation
consultation has a ratio of 1-500... is there someone on line who can
verify this?"
I agree with Patricia about the that we need to review at exceptional
programs like Evergreen's when deciding what the benchmark is for LC
services.  As Riordan and Auerbach stated (1999), a 1 LC to 1000 birth
ratio is "woefully inadequate".

I agree that Evergreen has a wonderful program.  The bottom line is how do
they fund it?  Is reimbursement for consults better in Washington state
than they are in other states?  I'm sure part of the answer is consumer
demand as well as administrative support.  Any comments, oh wise ones?

Windy, clear and freezing in Kansas, where it will be in the 70s this
weekend
(Sick of the weather in Kansas?  Wait 10 minutes and it will change, the
saying goes)

Maurenne Griese, RNC, BSN, CCE, CBE
Manhattan, KS  USA