We had a very busy and productive WBW here in Waterloo, but the week
that followed presented a few good challenges.  I wonder if all the
focus on breastfeeding (newspaper article, radio interview, gifts to the
Moms, treats for the staff, and a poster in the hospital lobby) ruffled
a few feathers among the Peds  Docs.  Indirectly, I was told I shouldn't
discuss Kangaroo Care with parents in NICU without the HCPs approval
since "parents might have skin eruptions that would give the baby sepsis
through their very thin skin."  Another problem arose because I had
spoken  to an out-patient Mom whose 5 week old breastfed infant hadn't
stooled in 5 - 6 days.  The Ped  said she couldn't believe I would tell
a Mom that was OK, and that every baby should stool every 2 days.  I
shared my experiences over the past 26 years and what the literature
says, but she "doesn't believe it."  She started the baby on rectal stim
with a rectal thermometer and water bottles with dark Karo syrup in
them.  Guess what?  The baby still stools when he's good and ready to
stool. I was feeling so frustrated!  I feel like the struggle hasn't
gotten a heck of a lot easier over the past 26 years.

Thanks for your "ear".  I needed to vent .

Susan Wirtjes RN IBCLC in Waterloo IA
"What you permit, you promote"

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