I would amend the Texas bill to say that hospitals who are not baby friendly
(including giving out free formula in the nursery) would lose their state
Medicaid funding.

It's specific, practical, and enforceable.  It starts small rather than with
sweeping, broad strokes -- which is essential for getting any bill passed.
And it addresses what people really care about -- money.

But seriously, how SHOULD I handle the situation of the malnourished 8 month
old, who is not FTT enough to go in the hospital?  (Outpatient workup and
management of FTT is still the standard of care in the US.)  Y'all have said
specifically what I SHOULDN'T do, but what SHOULD I do?

I guess I don't see that referring the mom to another source of free formula
(WIC) is really different than giving her the formula myself.  (e.g. if I
prescribe an antibiotic and send her to the pharmacy for it vs. I have
samples of that same antibiotic in the closet to save her a few $ -- I'm
still saying, "This medication is right for your child" and "endorsing" that
specific drug, right?) 

I appreciate all of y'all on LACTNET and everything you've taught me, and
how much us peds still need to learn!  But this "hypothetical" situation may
not be as rare as you think.  I truly would appreciate positive, specific
suggestions.  (Send PM, no flames please. :)  )


Suzanne

Suzanne Berman, M.D., FAAP
[log in to unmask]
Plateau Pediatrics
(931) 707 8700 voice
(931) 456 0802 fax
(931) 484 9511 after hours

             ***********************************************

To temporarily stop your subscription: set lactnet nomail
To start it again: set lactnet mail (or digest)
To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet
All commands go to [log in to unmask]

The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned
LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(R)
mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to:
http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html