It's been a week of change and progress.  In the world of birth, that is good news! Doula Plus is growing and life is great.  
I'm logging in tonight to simply post the important updated protocols (April 2014) for breastfeeding families that should be offered BEFORE you are discharged from the hospital.  
The most important protocols your health care professionals should offering include:

• Formal evaluation of breastfeeding by a health professional trained in this area.
• Assess and attend to breastfeeding problems prior to discharge.
• Medical staff should encourage exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life.

 For  additional protocols (there are 13) see the link below:
http://www.bfmed.org/Media/Files/Protocols/protocol_2GoingHome_revised2014.pdf

Please be sure to get support for your breastfeeding needs.  Contact me if you need assistance finding a lactation professional.

"...the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit unanimously held that “firing a woman because she is lactating or expressing milk is unlawful sex discrimination under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (as amended by the Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978).”

Okay, so I admit that the law and advocacy still calls my name.  There's nothing wrong with keeping up, right? So, the fact that there is an injured party whose case made it to the U.S. Court of Appeals Fifth Circuit is a sad commentary on the values of our culture.  On the other hand, this case is such a wonderful step forward toward eliminating the many barriers set to "Booby Trap" mothers who want to breastfeed.  For more ways that the law helps or hinders breastfeeding mothers, check out: http://www.bestforbabes.org/lactation-discrimination-recognized-by-federal-court

So, I'm a total blogging novice and I ask that you bear with me as I get the hang of things.  I have always admired people who write down and share their thoughts with the world.  Now, I am amongst them.
I invite you to join and grow with me as I embark on a new adventure, in a new city, taking on a new career model and forging my way further into the world of birthing families.  I am in awe of this transition.  I'm along for the ride, too!