This only my second post and I must tell all of you what a great support you
have all been.
When I try to discuss hazards of ABM etc with most folks including if not
especially other "HCPs" I frequently am left doubting myself and thinking
"Is there something Im missing here - they could care less about this and
they work Maternity/Public Health/FPetc?
Today I attended a mtg with other RNs providing BF support in our
neighboring communities and as I sat there, the sickly realization spread
thru me that I was not necessarily in the company of folks supportive of
BFHI, Communities etc, and I felt a mixture of sadness, frustration, anger
and a few other emotions difficult to put a finger on.
We are in such a unique position to really make change in our communities
and I felt so powerless.
We have been mtg to try to "standardize" some BF care, Thrush, Mastitis,
Engorgement, you get the picture. I have not recently been involved with the
process, and didnt want to come on too strong but some things just p----d me
off.
They were pulling some thing out for use that were 10 years old. Ex. Jaundice
- that didnt even mention BF. Also a handout from a Bpump company re. milk
storage-its not that it was bad-I had some concerns ie. from company selling
something or trying to, to BF Moms.
They looked at me a couple times like "dont be such a pain in the a--" & "
oh, your one of those types of fanatics".

On and on I go.

Also, Im sure this is not some new revelation to most of you, but what was
the chain of events that led to Tobacco Companys having to print warnings on
cigarette packages? Im talking Canada here. Not that it has detered many
when you look at stats but Id like to think a parent may reconsider if it
was pasted on the ABM tin/bottle.

One last thought. Does anyone see the day or has it happened, that a
Hospital/HCPetc has been sued because they did not discuss the risks of
"just one bottle" or that "the other is just as good" or instead of a
referral to someone knowledgeable re. BF for help, "just give ABM".? and a
parent/parents have researched BF and have decided they were not properly
imformed and now our child has "severe allergies" or take your pick.

Please dont get me wrong. My bottom line is "feed the baby" but lets not
treat the consumers of "Health Care" as a mass who will always blindly we
are in for a suprize one day. I hope.

In the right spirit,
but a bit disheartened
Janet Black RN
Breastfeeding Counsellor.