I asked for ideas to put across ad lib feeding to parents. Thanks for some
great ones!

Cue feeding is okay, but it doesn't get across the idea that you don't have
to wait to be 'cued' to feed your baby!  I will use it, though.  I love the
idea that all those 'S' words are cues - brilliant idea for a class to help
them remember, thanks Deborah.

 I think it is so important to get over the idea that you don't have to
wait until the baby is yelling to feed. I often see babies squirming and
squelching etc in their bf mother's arms, and the bossy part of me longs to
do the yelling - 'for goodness sake, feed that baby, why dontcha?'  I
restrain myself though....: )  I do hint gently if I am in counsellor
mode...if I am in another situation (family gathering, party) I can't even
do that, and boy, it's frustrating!  You can see the mothers jiggle,  rock,
pass baby round, do song-and-dance routine....as if they would rather do
*anything* except offer the breast.  As if offering the breast is a sign of
weakness, 'giving in' to the baby....Sigh.

I like the idea  of feeding when your baby is thirsty. I will use that,
too. I sometimes use the example of the partner coming in from working
outside on a hot day and asking for a drink of water....no one would say '
no, you can't - you only had a drink an hour ago...'

But is there a term which encompasses the normality of feeding just because
you want to, *or* the baby wants to,  or either of you just feel like it
'cos you like it? !

Heather Welford Neil
NCT bfc Newcastle upon Tyne UK