Dear Lactnetters:
I just want to express my view on the BF logs.  I used to be very much
against them until we started hearing about BF babies dying because of
starvation.  I am a hospital RN, IBCLC and our relationship with our peds is
fragile and starting to improve.  We have had a small handful of babies
readmitted to our pediatric unit for ^ bilirubin or nutritional deficit
problems.  After hearing the docs blame it on breastfeeding, I decided to
take a more assertive approach with my teaching to new moms.  Everyone has
heard "how do I know if my baby is getting enough?" so I made that a focus at
the end of my visit with the moms.  After discussing positioning, latch,
etc., I talk about frequency of feedings, cluster feedings, intake, and
output.  I have found that the logs have helped tremendously with the cluster
feeding and the moms don't freak out when it happens.  They can look at the
big picture and see if the baby has nursed it's 8-12 times, is pooping and
peeing.  The addition of the logs has been very popular with our moms and has
helped to "protect" them from the well-meaning but supplement happy night
shift.  I do stress the moms to look at the baby to see if everything adds up
to a healthy, growing baby.  So far, it has been working great.  I feel this
is a tool (w/ education) that empowers mothers to take responsibility for
their breastfeeding experience.  That's my 2 cents.
Suzanne Bowes RN, IBCLC

             ***********************************************
The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned
LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(TM)
mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to:
http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html