topamicha

Why don't you do an accelerated BSN program? You could get your BSN in 2 years if you already have a BA. That would cut your time in half.

When I was laboring, I definitely felt the urge to push. I couldn't resist it, it was so strong. I didn't need anyone to tell me to push! But, I can see how someone with an epidural might need coaching.

Thank you, Mrs. S :) I thought I was going to get ripped apart for that post. And, Deb, I'm sorry if I seemed snarky at all.

The benefits of breastfeeding remain the same throughout. Are they NECESSARY at age 5? No. Do they disappear at some magic weaning age? Of course not. The 5-year-old recieves the same benefits he did as when he was 2 or 1. Nutrition. Antibodies. Essential fatty acids. Hydration. And so on. The composition of breastmilk changes as the child ages. There is more fat and calories in the breastmilk a 3-year-old recieves as opposed to what a newborn recieves. So he is getting a nutritional bonus. Plus, he is getting protection against infection. That isn't to say I think he NEEDS these things at his age. But they certainly don't hurt. We give our children cow's milk. That certainly isn't natural or necessary, but we do it. I don't think it's any more odd for a child to be getting human milk at age 5 than it is for him to be drinking cow's milk. The WHO recommends breastfeeding for AT LEAST 2 years. The AAP recommends it for one years AND as long as parent and child desire. And, as I've said, the worldwide weaning age is 4. Certainly 5 is pushing the envelope, but I don't think the woman deserves to be mocked. As everyone is so fond of saying in this thread, it's her breasts and her child, and if her child is obviously not uncomfortable with it, what's the problem? I do agree that it could cause some issues with other children, but she may have weaned before kindergarten. We really don't know. In any case, I'm not saying it's ideal to breastfeed to age 5, just saying it isn't terrible, either. Everyone is all for not judging moms who don't breastfeed at all, why is it okay to so freely pass judgement on a woman who breastfeeds to age 5? My point wasn't that it's the best choice, just that it's no worse of a choice that formula feeding, plus as an infant and toddler, the child got the benefits of nursing.

Also, in reference to the mom breastfeeding her 5 year old...someone said she is serving her own interests ahead of the child's...pretty similar to a mom who chooses to formula feed "just because" - except the child at least gets the benefits of breast milk. The average age for weaning worldwide is 4...while I would never breastfeed a child to age 5, I don't think she necessarily deserves criticism.

Breastmilk contains essential fatty acids that are essential for brain development. It stands to reason that it would be the optimal food for brain development. Also, breastfeeding DOES facilitate bonding. Breastfeeding moms get the benefit of oxytocin, which is a "love" hormone.

What is your opinion on them? Are they qualified to be delivering babies (certified professional midwives)? Should they be able to recieve licensure? What are the pros/cons of a CPM as opposed to a CNM? What are the dangers of using a CPM? I was talking to someone yesterday and this came up...I'm curious what your opinions are on this.

Perhaps you are all professional enough to wash your hands regularly, but as the above poster pointed out, a huge number of healthcare professionals aren't. There are lives at stake here. I don't think it's such a terrible thing considering how much illness and even death may be avoided because some careless nurse/doc/cna was asked to wash her hands. Maybe this will get the point across, since nothing else has, obviously.

Intubation is within an RT's scope of practice, though it depends on the facility whether or not they get to do it very often. Also, pulmonary function testing, suctioning, etc. Concorde College, Pima Medical Institute, and Front Range all offer RT.

Or even be in the profession for that matter. When you go into nursing, you are dealing with the human body, period. If you are so worried about your libido that you avoid doing professional duties, there's a problem. Women have been in nursing since the very beginning, seeing all kinds of unsightly male problems, and I have never once heard a female nurse make such an unprofessional comment. Nursing isn't supposed to be a boost to your sex life.

What school did u go to? I went in Denver, too.

How unfair things are for him? Perhaps you are still stuck in the victim role. Marriage isn't always "fair." It wasn't fair to you for him to be an abusive alcoholic all those years, either. It certainly isn't fair to be telling you to get off your a** when you have bipolar disorder. I'm certain you love him, but it goes both ways. Nope, it's no fun having a 333 lb wife, but it's not fun being put down for years and neglected, either. Maybe I've misinterpreted this post, maybe he's loving & kind and I was just misled by some of your statments, but if not, I am utterly appalled that you would endure such treatment and even make excuses for it. He got through alcoholism and recovered because of your support. You sacrificed for him. Time to reciprocate. Through sickness and health, remember? And, he should adore you no matter what you weigh. Have you ever, in the entire course of your marriage, stood up for yourself?!

I think, as someone else mentioned, this has to do with preventing allegations of impropriety (what a good way to put it). Historically, women are victims of sexual abuse far more often than men, and this is just a safeguard. I don't mean to sound harsh, but I think that comparing this to racism is absurd. Preventing sexual impropriety and refusing to be cared for by someone because of the color of their skin? Just not comparable to me.

Regarding respiratory therapy, I don't think it's any nastier than nursing. The difference is RT's deal with sputum, nurses deal with poop. I advocate for RT a little too much on this board considering that I'm a nursing major, but I did spent a semester in RT school, and I loved it. It's true that it is very specialized - I mean, it's RT - you will be doing respiratory work...but there are some additional opportunities. Once you've been in the field for awhile, you can do case management, you can teach, you can do polysomnography (most hospitals will train RT's for that), patient education, etc. And, although you'll still be working with respiratory issues, you can do ICU, NICU, sooo many things. Most RT's in my state start around the same as a new grad RN, with tuition reimbursement and sign on bonuses. It's not a bad career. If you're very concerned about upward mobility, you can get your BS in RT and go to grad school.

Good thing women don't feel this way about caring for the reproductive organs of men. Not only would you guys rarely get care, you wouldn't get any sex either.