I'm behind on my Lactnet reading and am currently nomail.  Also, I have tried
unsuccessfully to send responses to a couple of people who have posted in the
last couple of weeks.  I don't know if it's a problem with AOL or what, but
I'm now sending responses to the list.

On breastfeeding classes for staff RN's:

     If nurses giving unnecessary bottles of glucose water or ABM is still a
problem, it's worth presenting the benefits of unsupplemented colostrum and
the risks of introducing formula as well as bottles.  I like to present it in
writing with documentation.

     Other than that, I think the most important information is:

       1.  How to tell if baby is truly well-latched and doing nutritive
sucking.

       2.  How to help moms to achieve the above and comfort.

       3.  Positive communication with moms that enhances confidence about
themselves, their babies and breastfeeding.

       4.  What's normal in newborn behavior and feeding patterns, including
cluster feeds (the nurses where I work found this concept really helpful).

       5.  What to include in discharge teaching, especially insuring moms
have contact resources for difficulties.

       6.  Which moms and babies are at risk for breastfeeding failure/infant
dehydration and for whom good follow-up is especially crucial.


On the topic of encouraging people to take prenatal breastfeeding classes:

The one I teach is part of a series of three classes that are free and that
they are required to take before they can enroll in the hospital's childbirth
classes.

Also, one of the health plans gives its members a discount coupon on the cost
of childbirth classes if they take the early bird class (deals with nutrition,
etc.) in the first trimester.  Now they will also give the discount if they
take the breastfeeding class.  Yeah!  This is another angle to explore.
Insurance plans benefit when moms are enabled to breastfeed longer.   Good
luck.  Miriam Levitt RN, IBCLC