I think it's time to start playing hardball - Page 2

[AutumnNoelle]

I'm in!!

[NoliMum]

Originally Posted by SashaBear

One problem is that pediatricians cannot treat the mother (thrush, mastitis) and then the OB/GYN cannot treat the baby (tongue-tied). Then if its a dyad problem (baby and mother just not latching well) then neither can help them! A family doctor would a plus in these situations!

Doctors unfortunately don't seem to want to refer their patients to LCs. We need them to quit giving out wrong information and start admitting they DON'T KNOW and that there is someone out there that is better than them.

What if there was a campaign that supplied drs with the Breastfeeding Answer Book and Medications and Mother's Milk?

If only doctors would listen to ideas that aren't touted by salesmen carrying fun treats like pens and clocks with their brand names on them. I've seen so many notepads with Viagra watermarks in the waiting room... Maybe we should make Medela clipboards or desk calendars with the breastfeeding symbol plastered all over them.

[bobbirs]

Originally Posted by Da WIC Lady

I'm just hoping he doesn't take up our cause. People think we're whacko enough as it is for breastfeeding. His shady rep would not help us at all. I agree that a similar format would be great, but who would air it? I have a hard enough time with people making snide comments about my (not homemade) breastfeeding posters at work or getting support from coworkers to screen breastfeeding films in the waiting area when it's the only VCR available (because people complain that kids can see breasts or "we don't want to make formula feeders feel guilty".): And this is at multiple public health facilities! :

Anna

NO making BF mothers feel secluded or women who don't because they would be secluded is just fine. : oh and we all LOVE to see the formula crap everywhere.

[krystyn33]

Originally Posted by MilkTrance

I would also love to see an exposé, the style similar to Michael Moore films.

I agree, and I'll also add NOT Michael Moore, even though I like him. We need something less divisive to raise awareness.

[TovahNeryse]

I'm very dumb when it comes to lobbying and political stuff, but I'm definately IN!!!!
I'd love to do my part to help. Just please let me know what exactly I'm supposed to do.....

[Sugermama]

I agree with lobbying BUT telling people their baby is 27% more likely to die if they don't breastfeed is not going to sway people to the breastfeeding side. It is going to put some big chips on some womens shoulders ESPECIALLY if they have successfully formula fed one or two or more children already.

While I agree the facts are compelling there HAS to be a way to educate without turning people completely against our point of view?

I used to have just such a chip on my shoulder when I could not get breast feeding down with my first we had problem after problem and it got to be too much. I would get SO angry because of my conflicted feelings on the whole issue that when ever the topic came up my chip came out and it got bigger when ever anyone spouted off those types of tid bits. It was not until I successfully breast fed and continue to breast feed my youngest that I fully unders6tood how big of an issue I had in the past and how much confliction I had because of my choices.

So any way sorry for my rambling but posters telling me my child is more likely to die would of completely done the opposite of what they were intended to do with me. I know many women that do formula feed and we have debated the whole thing and I feel that that sort of campaigning is a massive turn off when trying to change peoples minds from formula feeding to breast feeding.

If the goal is to enrage a whole lot of mothers and put them on the defensive then the goal will be met. If the goal is to get people breast feeding then i think posters and ads along those lines will fall far short of the mark. Well intentioned though they may be.

I do agree with lobbying to get the BFing Act passed though THAT is vital. I like the breastfeeding Posters the WIC office I went to (to interview a LC for my early childhood education class) had. They had them ALL over the office and they were BEAUTIFUL nursing shots.

[Sugermama]

Another good slogan one WIC office has is "Do you prefer store brand or homemade? Your baby feels the same way".

[Inspired007]

I'm in! Just let me know what I can do!

[Inspired007]

Originally Posted by Sugermama

Another good slogan one WIC office has is "Do you prefer store brand or homemade? Your baby feels the same way".

sooo awesome!

[LeighB]

I would love to be involved in this. I really think it's important not to scare people. We want them to think about things and maybe be a little shocked but not scared.

So...how do we start??

[Bookworm?]

I'd certainly be interested! I'm doing what I can at the local level. However, as a libertarian I have to say , is government involvement really the way to go? Do laws actually change peoples minds? Do bills really affect the choices the masses make? Is lobbying the federal/state government the best use of our precious mama time/resources?
I like the private ad campaign ideas, "lobbying" or educating HCP. Do member HCP of certain groups (AAP, AMA, ACOG, etc) HAVE to follow certain guidelines? Could we get those organizations to adopt the WHO code and promote it to their members? Can we work on educational institutions to include BF training in their curriculum?
I recently watched "The Business of Being Born" which was awesome. Anybody know how to contact Lake or Epstein, maybe they would be interested in an expose? Something really needs to be done. I just want to make sure we are thinking beyond government policy.
NAK or I'd write more.

[DahliaRW]

I think the best way to start is to get hospitals to stop giving out free formula. Peds too. And getting medical schools to teach more about lactation and less about formula too. I think the problem now is that the formula companies give them a lot of $$$$$.

Overall lobbying is is a great idea. But it does need to be done in a way that doesn't make mom's who don't have an option but to use formula feel inferior or bad. There is a difference between choosing to ff and having to ff for a legitimate medical reason or because you're adopting (and yes, some adopting mothers can lactate, but not usually enough to sustain a child 100% on their own breastmilk).