Hi, >1) Mandated short hospital stays. Moms milk is not even in and we are pushing >the pair out the door. This is detrimental, especially to first time moms who >have very little practical knowledge of breastfeeding these days and often >little knowledgeable support from family and friends. But support doesn't have to come from in *hospital*. In fact, as we've discussed, hospital policies and ignorant staff can actually make hospital the last place women are going to be supported in breastfeeding. I remember discharging myself and my baby from hospital precisely for this reason - because I knew I'd never be "allowed" to breastfeed exclusively, on demand if I stayed in hospital. Besides, I don't feel breastfeeding should be medicalised as birth already is. How about breastfeeding drop-in centres, well-baby clinics and a LC contact for every single mother who has a new baby? -- Anna H. (Mummy to Emma, 17-1-95, Alice, 11-9-96, Samuel, 25-4-98) "You might say that, but I couldn't possibly comment" mailto: [log in to unmask] http://www.ratbag.demon.co.uk/anna/ *********************************************** 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