I am a family practitioner who does Obstetrics and Pediatrics in Grants
Pass, Oregon. My interest in breastfeeding was sparked after hearing a
lecture from Kitty Franz after I had completed my residency. I was
embarrassed by all the misinformation I had been passed on and was
passing on to my patients (no formal lectures or training in medical
school or residency on breastfeeding, only information passed down from
other poorly informed MDs). This was about 12 years ago in Ventura,
California and our hospital hired 2 LCs and they became a great source
of information for me and my patients. I have since moved to Grants
Pass, Oregon and have been here 5 years. My wife Katherine has been an
RN for years. Over the past 8 years she has become a practicing IBCLE in
our community. She introduced me to the Lactnet. Initially I ignored all
the lactnet emails but have started reading them and found them very
informative and amusing. I occasionally post a question when I can't
find an answer elsewhere and am always impressed with the response I
get.

It has been interesting moving from a big city to a small town. Five
years ago when we moved here the attitudes towards breastfeeding were
quite backwards. The hospital has since hired my wife as their first LC
and with the help from others in the lactation community (LLL) our
hospital has applied for a Baby Friendly certificate this year.

David Abdun-Nur, MD, family practice in Grants Pass, Oregon