I really think that the tide is turning regarding instruction of medical
students regarding breastfeeding.  I am now taking the pediatrics portion of
my Family Nurse Practitioner Program.  One of the major pediatrics texts we
are using presents breastfeeding as the norm and the gold standard of infant
feeding. This book is directed towards medical students and practicing
physicians. The info is not "perfect" but it is so much better than what has
been included in the past.  The general attitude is very pro breastfeeding as
well, and that applies to all of the books we are using.  I am trying not to
seem too radical in class, which is very hard.  Most of the rest of the
students are much younger than I am and of course I am the only IBCLC in the
class.  But I get so excited when we talk about breastfeeding.  The other day
someone in class was saying that parents should be advised to start veggies
before fruit so babies won't expect food to be sweet. I heard myself saying:
"but if you've ever tasted breastmilk you know how sweet it is...."  the
looks on some of those faces!  But anyway, what I mean to say is that this is
just one little part of things getting better.
Pat Sergi-Swinehart, RN, MSN, IBCLC

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