I was trained (as a social worker) to use "pt./client denies..." when confronted with a discrepancy between what the client says and what I'm seeing. For example, "client denies alcohol use." What I'm smelling is alcohol, what the client is telling me is that he's sober. I use this in lactation as well. "Pt. denies discomfort while breastfeeding." What I'm seeing is a cracked, bleeding nipple. Another example, "pt. denies scheduling feeds." What I'm seeing is an "ezzofied" household and "Babywise" on the coffee table. I guess this phrase can be construed to be negative. It's just an easy, shorthand method of noting a discrepancy and giving the client the benefit of the doubt, instead of saying the pt. is lying to my face. Johanna Berger, LSW Breastfeeding Counselor Bala Cynwyd, PA (my 5.12 lb, 35 weeker is now 6 months old and ways a whopping 17.6 lbs.!!! Must be from my husband's side :-) (maybe all that breastmilk) ________________________________________________________________ GET INTERNET ACCESS FROM JUNO! Juno offers FREE or PREMIUM Internet access for less! Join Juno today! For your FREE software, visit: http://dl.www.juno.com/get/tagj. *********************************************** 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