Ignorant LC

[purpsurfer]

The other day while at work (an ob tech in labor and delivery), I had a mama who delivered and informed me that she would breastfeed while in the hospital but would switch to bottles when she got home because she was going back to work. OK, I see this as an opprotunity to let her fall so in love with breastfeeding her baby that she keeps going, at least parttime. And worst case scenario, she does stop nursing but at least the baby got colostrum for a few days.
Wellllll, the hospital LC (IBCLC) comes into the picture. Tells mom that if she plans on switching to bottles, she should just start with bottles and never put the baby to breast. She said it will be too confusing for the baby and make mom engorged. @@@@@@@
Later the same day, I asked this LC how long she recommended for moms to breastfeed. Her verbatum reply was, "A year is really pushing it. When they are old enough to ask for a titty, you need to hand them a cup." :Puke
OK, my question is WHERE DO I START???? This place is in need of change but I don't graduate with my RN for almost another year. I could lose my job for being insurbordinate but someone needs to set this woman straight. I need some realistic advice...

[JesiLynne]

ARGGGGGGGG My LC at the hospital was like this

She was really rude to my mom when my mom was talking about the joys of CLW.

Does the LC have a superior who you could send the WHO CODE to???

[Monkeyfeet]

Wow, that really sucks. Yeah, I would seek out her supervisor.

[rmzbm]

WOW, all this coming from someone meant to HELP?!?! Nice. : When my 7 YO DS was born (my 1st child) I told the nurses I was going to BF & ended up having a hard time getting started. She told me I needed to stop "going back and forth & decide already!!" And she also said "Breast milk & formula are the SAME, NO difference, so just do what's easier!!" GREAT advice!!!!! No wonder noone BF's!!

[jeanine123]

Here's the link to the International Lactation Consultants Associations website. It should have info on it about reporting one of their certified LC's handing out crummy, incorrect and harmful information.

http://gotwww.net/ilca/

[artgoddess]

Why on earth would a woman become a lactation consultant if her goal wasn't to help woman breastfeed? I'm just shocked. I want to know is this lady just and RN, who calls herself an LC or is she really certified?

I'm as lost as you in wondering where to start. I definitely think putting together a nice little organized document quoting all the best of WHO guidelines and asking her supervisor if it's okay to give to all the new moms who want to BF is a good start. Maybe the lady who calls herself an LC will be required to pass out the info.

[mom2tig99Nroo03]

since you said she is a ibclc, lodge a complaint with them. :
http://www.iblce.org/complaint.htm

[gentlebirthmothr]

Originally Posted by artgoddess

Why on earth would a woman become a lactation consultant if her goal wasn't to help woman breastfeed? I'm just shocked. I want to know is this lady just and RN, who calls herself an LC or is she really certified?

I'm as lost as you in wondering where to start. I definitely think putting together a nice little organized document quoting all the best of WHO guidelines and asking her supervisor if it's okay to give to all the new moms who want to BF is a good start. Maybe the lady who calls herself an LC will be required to pass out the info.

Sara,

to artgoddess comment to you.

Thank you.

[Quagmire]

Originally Posted by purpsurfer

Later the same day, I asked this LC how long she recommended for moms to breastfeed. Her verbatum reply was, "A year is really pushing it. When they are old enough to ask for a titty, you need to hand them a cup."

Wow, how freaking offensive I would definitely write a letter to the hospital administration and report that behavior. What a nasty way to talk about breastfeeding, especially from someone who should be a positive force.

[lilsishomemade]

Um, you may also be able to talk to your charge nurse or don. I understand some places wouldn't be favorable with that, but when I was a charge nurse, I would have really wanted to know this, and would have done something about it. Luckily, if she is certified, you can file a complaint! I'd def. do that, regardless of whether or not you report her!

[Meiri]

Is she really an IBCLC? or is the hospital only claiming she is?

At some hospitals, they just appoint someone to the LC position.

If she really has had IBCLC training, did she finish it? Did she pass?
File a complaint with them. Someone talking such trash about breastfeeding should not be in the position to be having extra influence with vulnerable moms.

[~Megan~]

is she a certified LC? Doesn't sound like it. I'd just do it slowly and gently.

[sapphire_chan]

Of course, if she's not certified and she and the hospital are claiming she is, then that should be reported as well.