Boy, does that scenario sound familiar!  I think the phone is
secondary only to visitors as being a big interference to getting
breastfeeding off to a good start.  There are those who either let
it ring, arrange to talk to the person later, or apologize profusely
for not hanging up right away because the call is from the new
grandma who is calling long distance.  Inevitable, these are the
parents who are very receptive and appreciative of whatever we tell
them.  Then there are the ones who feel right from the start that
baby has to fit in with their lifestyle with no (or a very minimum)
change in the way they've always done things.  >From these I often
get the rolled eyes or blank look when I try to talk about baby's
cues or listening to their baby.  If they have a "baby care" book in
the room, you can guess what one it usually is!  These are the ones
who wind up complaining that we try to make them do things different
than what their plan is or that we are "making them feel guilty".
When it is obvious that I'm talking to a blank wall, I will say that
I would like to chat with them about breastfeeding, would they
please call me when they are ready or have the time.  I will come in
then as soon as I can break away from whatever I'm doing then.  I
leave a note with my direct pager number and ask them to enter their
room number when it beeps.  Our priorities aren't always the mom's,
and we're just flapping our jaws if she isn't ready to hear anything
we have to say.  I really think one emphasis in prenatal classes
(breastfeeding and other classes as well) is helping the parents to
reorient their priorities.  Acknowledge that they love to have
people ooh and aah over their baby, and they love to relate the
birth experience, but with limited time, mom beginning her physical
recovery and learning how to care for self and baby do have to take
precedence.  It doesn't always work, but it at least lets them know
that the old priorities don't carry the same weight now that baby
has been "added to the mix".

Winnie

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