Kim: Thanks for your email on hospital policy. I am well aware of the altruistic nature of most nurses and medical personnel; however, I do a substantial amount of research on health care delivery (particularly women's health) and know that much of the 'advances' advertised by hospitals (particularly large proprietary multi-hospital chains in urban areas) are to compete for market share of INSURED patients. The health services research literature is full of examples of this. I'd be happy to send you articles on this, including my own. Internal memos within organizations also illustrate this perspective of many hospital and hc chain administrators. Please don't down-play the fact that health care is big business (over 14% of our GNP) and there's fierce competition compared to years past. It is unfortunate, but true that in some areas lactation services recently have been eliminated in because more profitable cost-centers can bring in wealthy patients with full-insurance. Lactation is viewed by these hospitals as an "optional" service that would be "nice" to provide, but certainly not essential since they don't directly see any financial gain from it! This is a direct quote from a local hospital CEO (to remain unnamed, but I can produce documentation). RespectfuLLLy, Chris : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : )Chris Hafner-Eaton, PhD, MPH, CHES, IBCLC email: [log in to unmask] : ) : )HSR & Health Educational Consultant voice/fax: 541 753 7340 : ) : ) **CHANGE THE WORLD, NURTURE A CHILD!** : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : )