I had previously posted a note about a scheduled meeting at my
institution...regarding breastfeeding... WEll..I am here to report on
the happenings and I have had such mixed feelings about the whole thing
it has taken me awhile to formulate my response...WELL..here is the
brief version.....
    To begin with ..it was the first meeting of any kind in regards to
breastfeeding issues..so that in itself was a good thing.  One of the
physicians was supportive of my role as an LC and actually recognized me
as a professional..If you knew the whole of it..you would recognize this
as a HUGE step!!!  Other meetings are in the works and I am to be
included in the pediatric meetings to address specific concerns as they
arrive and to work together on breastfeeding issues!
      The disheartening part was the comment made over and over
again..."we are pushing breastfeeding too much and there is just too
much emphasis on it."...and many such comments that accompanied this
attitude in general.  The professional making these comments also feels
that any literature reccomending no bottles when breastfeeding is
detrimental and guilt producing.  He has forbid certain such info to be
given to his patients...and the babies are still NPO for 4 hours after
birth..and any alternative method of supplementation(other than bottle
nipples) is frowned upon to put it mildly...
     So...it was a BEGINNING and I have to recognize that.  I know
change is slow..it is just heartbreaking for me to see breastfeeding
relationships continue to be sabatoged by ignorance and inflexibility.
   Thanks so much for your responses to this situation and support...it
really helped and gave me encouragement that I am not alone..
                  Michelle Williams RN IBCLC