Cathy, et al, I agree with your posts, that the system needs to be
fixed, epidurals reduced and breastfeeding promoted. Unfortunately, it
is not entirely about money. I work with the military system and none of
these HCPs benefit or lose due to their medical decisions directly (in
other words making money for 'the hospital'or themselves is not an
issue). Our epidural rate here is very high, someone in the anesthia
department is still 'infering' to the pregnant moms, if they don't make
their 'appointment,' they won't get any drugs at delivery, and
breastfeeding isn't consistantly supported in either the OB department
or L&D. Pediatrics is doing pretty good here, but in many cases that's
too late.

As Cathy posted, I don't think many in L & D are aware of the 'real'
outcome of their use of epidurals and their breastfeeding procedures and
policies. We are the ones who work to try and salvage some situations
and become frustrated with the relatively simple problems that easily
and with little changes could have been prevented in the first place.

And until the majority of the medical professionals are
behind/supportive/knowledgeable about breastfeeding, I don't see the
cultural changes coming. Too many parents, especially new ones, see the
Doctor as 'the' source of parenting information and if he/she dismisses
breastfeeding, well then it can't be that important - can it? And we
(breastfeeding advocates - no matter what our occupation) end up looking
fanatical for our position and recommendations.

It is an interesting social/psychological phenomenon that breastfeeding
which is a norm, causes such reactions here in the US, really it's a
tribute to either the formula manufacturers and/or advertising.  And, to
me, it's scary that something normal and natural is seen so negatively
and dismissed so easily.

Leslie Ward
Vine Grove, KY

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