Marsha Puckett writes:
'There are times when I do use some manipulation to get a baby latched on
appropriately.  Sometimes there is no other way, but we should ask
permission
and respect the patient and her body while we try to do what's best for mom
and baby.'

Marsha - Yes, yes, yes!!!
I agree, sometimes the situation has deterriorated to the point where the
mother and baby just aren't getting it together and a gentle helping hand
and - they're away! - and don't look back.  But I've heard so many sad
stories about 'the midwife can get him on - but I can't'...
We should be enabling - not doing.  And if we need to do, it should be with
the mother's whole-hearted permission (ideally at her request) and with
lots of patience - not just to save everybody time and trouble.  Sometimes
a good compromise is placing our hands gently over the mother's as she
bring the baby to her breast.
The National Childbirth Trust has a 'hands-off' policy for it's
breastfeeding counsellors and, yes, it can be fustrating for a
(non-practising) midwife like me...
Hannah Hulme Hunter
NCT breastfeeding counsellor, UK