How to make a difference?

[~Mom2thhts~]

What do you do when consent laws are in place so that babies arent given FF w/out permission from parents are ignored?

What do you do when you are reported to child services for EBF?

WHat do you do when hospitals or doctors dont follow the WHO code?

What do you do to make sure these issues are addressed and followed?

How do we keep from being bullied and protect our rights?

If anyone has read my pp I am filing medical complaints against a doctor, but Im worried it wont change anything. It seems that all these things are already in place, such as consent laws, but they are ignored and doctors can still do what they want w/out your consent. So what needs to be done to stop this??

I believe I have a very valid case. How do I make a difference?

[PatioGardener]

IMO education of health care professionals is the key to a supportive health care system.

Doctors and nurses want to do what is best for their patients. But without knowledge about breastfeeding, they are working from a place of ignorance, and may be unaware of the risks of formula. Yes, we wonder how anyone in the health care profession this day and age could be unaware of the risks of formula (both to the health of the infant and the breastfeeding relationship), but sadly this isn't covered in most medical education.

I think that current consent laws are overruled when it comes to the health and well being of a child. For example, if a child of a family who refuses blood products is hit by a car and can only be saved by a transfusion, the health care providers will give the transfusion against the wishes of the family. So trying to change/enforce consent in this case may not be productive.

But if doctors and nurses understand breastfeeding, consent to formula feed would not be an issue because it could be prevented in the first place. It is so important that doctors are aware of breastfeeding, how it works, how to help mothers with difficulties etc. If babies are not growing it can be a health emergency, especially with newborns. This is the time for doctors and parents to talk about medications to increase mother's supply, pumping and supplementing through a tube at the breast, donor milk, and close follow-up. I think health care professionals forget/aren't aware that formula is not the second choice after breastfeeding - formula would not be such an issue if we had well stocked milk banks.

More education about breastfeeding, including baby friendly hositals will make a huge difference in support for breastfeeding babies and families, and in how they are treated medically. This includes not only babies who are failing to thrive, but moms who have mastitis, need mamograms, or surgery etc. - all conditions where the health care system can aid and support breastfeeding, or attempt to destroy it.