Cyber-space has a cozy feel, and since we are typing in our pajamas in the
privacy of our homes it seems very safe and private when we spill out our
frustration.  But this is an illusion.  I know for an absolute fact that the
anti-physician posts are picked up and shared around to our detriment. One
was even published in a medical journal as an example of "what goes on." It
is probably true that the anti-RN rants are too.  If LCs want to be seen as
team players, we can't go around venting our frustration over the
ill-informed actions of some our colleagues in other professions in immature
ways on a public forum. This behavior is being used against us, and adds to
our reputation as being loose cannons.  I don't mean to imply we have to sit
back and take it if incorrect or prejudicial remarks are being made.  Nor do
we have to kiss  butt (NOT an activity I have ever been very good at.) But
disagreement and discourse can take place without the tar brush and the
feathers.  If people just want to complain, there are private lists.

 A catch-phrase from my radical youth was:  Don't mourn, Organize!  That may
mean that you go ahead and file a legal action for battery or malpractice.
That may be exactly called for.  It may be that you go ahead and write
well-reasoned letters (SHORT letters --  Here's a hint:  the short ones get
published.)  It may be that you directly confront someone courteously and
with data in hand.  I really liked Kathleen Auerbach's suggestion of trying
to volunteer (at least once) to help bring up the standards of training for
other health profs. in lactation.  But if you spend your time publically
insulting or ridiculing MDs or nurses, you may lose your opportunity to
speak to them.

 Those of us with strong LLL backgrounds surely recall all the advice we
were given to use positive reinforcement to create desired behavior, and to
correct the behavior, not humiliate the child.  I know that I feel stung
when I hear belittling remarks about LCs or breastfeeding.  It reminds me to
do as I would be done by, or I just might be done by as I did.

Barbara

Barbara Wilson-Clay, BS, IBCLC
Private Practice, Austin, Texas
Owner, Lactnews On-Line Conference Page
http://moontower.com/bwc/lactnews.html