Conflicting advice: some things for you to consider

Kellie Eason RN, RM, IBCLC

Kellie is a Nurse, Midwife & International Board Certified Lactation Consultant with over 25 years experience in supporting families with Breast, Bottle Feeding & Sleep/Settling Issues. She works in private practice at Osteo 4 Kids & Adults, Preston Vic 3072 & Family Tree Health, Greensborough VIC 3088.  Kellie is also an expert contributor to FIT FOR 2 PRO, alongside a group of other healthcare professionals supporting families.  Kellie provides in home, clinic based and Skype/FaceTime consultations via MILK...early parenting support

In the world of medicine, nursing and midwifery, there is an abundance of information to know about and we cannot be expected to know it all.

As time passes by and we aquire new knowledge and skills, we are becoming more and more specialised in what we do.

Unfortunately this is an unspoken language within healthcare, that we need to pretend that we know the answer to everything.  

Is it conjured within the profession, or do our clients make us feel that way?  

I'm not quite sure about the answer to that one, but I think it may be a bit of both.
I think it also has to do with our own inherent personal beliefs based and  experiences.

As healthcare professionals, I believe that we need to be mindful of the information that we provide families.

I also believe that families, need to be mindful of where they seek their advice from.

It is not uncommon that families will seek multiple opinions from multiple health care professionals.  

This is incredibly frustrating for families and the professionals that support them.  

What is most important, is that we are ALL mindful of this...

Sometimes families don't want our opinion, they just want us to LISTEN to their frustrations and be referred to their expert in need.

Whether we agree with the advice that has been given or not, we need to respect each other as specialists in our own right.

We also need to appreciate the relationship that the family has fostered with that health care professional.

It is OK to feel that you don't always have the answer.....
It is OK to say, that you do not know the answer....
It is OK to seek a second opinion
It is OK to ask for a referral for a second opinion

WHAT IS NOT OK?
It is NOT OK to make judgement about something that you have no idea about 
It is NOT OK to undermine the professional opinion of others
It is NOT OK to give advice to others based on your own personal experiences

SOME FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Just because you went through XY&Z when you had your baby.........
Just because you went through XY&Z when you fed your baby.........
Does not apply to others.

Just because you have an opinion on XY&Z, but are not up to date with the research and lack the clinical skill set to assess XY&Z, does not qualified you to make that opinion.

Everyone's experience is unique and individual.  
It is influenced by personal backgrounds and belief systems.
Parents want what is best for their families - try not to hinder that.

A health professionals' skill set or "special interests" qualify them for being the experts in that particular skill or interest.

Unless you are a specialist in that particular field, don't offer your opinion as it is not warranted.

Our world is just so diverse, we need to be mindful of others and our own opinions and take ourselves out of the equation.  It is not about us.

Our job is to support, respect & empower confidence in families.
NOT to disrespect & disempower our colleagues and the families that we care for....

If anyone has an opinion, I am keen to hear your thoughts??



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