At our hospital, we still have total usage of our time helping mothers breastfeed. Occasionally, we (lc's) will help with small nursing duties by choice if we see a need. & have time. This helps keep a good working relationship. We also wear lab coats. This helps keep us identified as consultants and not staff nurses. I think this is important as a visible reminder. We (lc's) cover two hospitals every day and not having to change clothes each time into scrubs is helpful. I have not seen a trend in combining lc & nursing duties yet in our area. I do not think that this would be helpful to the moms. Hope you can convince your administration to support you. Helen Curless,RN,IBCLC *********************************************** The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(TM) mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to: http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html