I would like to clarify a few points regarding Carol's reply to Jan.
1) "At the hospital where I work part-time as an educator (not as a lactation
consultant), I created an avenue for pumps to be available on-site strictly"
Our hospital decided to provide on-site pump rentals during a time when a
local rental station was closing and my own business of 10 years was ending.
It was a colaborated effort of Myself, an RN/CLE (assisting me), department
Team Leader, the hospital Business Manager and a local medical supply store.
The effort was made to provide access to necessary supplies not readily
available in our area.
2) "It was not intended to be for every mom experiencing difficulty with
latch-on, but going home with baby. Unfortunately, it has led to many pumps
going out the door with mom and baby at discharge."
Yes, it was not intended that every mom experiencing difficulty should be
expected to take home a pump. But, instead to make a service available to
those that may need such services to help preserve the breastfeeding couplet
during a possible difficult transition, whatever it may be. It was not
intended either to be a method of making money...but, a service which had
qualified Lactation Services available to help follow-up and provide support.
3) "What it creates is lack of confidence in mother's ability to nurse her
baby, and thus it jeopardizes the breastfeeding situation rather than
facilitating it."
I don't believe it creates a lack of confidence in mother's ability to nurse
her baby and therefore jepardizes the breastfeeding situation. In fact, it
has often helped to preserve and provide an aide to promote breastfeeding
when a mom feels like all has failed and she is unable to do the one thing
for her baby that she has dreamed of.
4) "Rather, we need to encourage moms to kangaroo care and foster their
confidence levels in being able to adequately nourish their infants."
We encourage skin-to skin and as much contact with baby as possible. No
place is perfect...and a mothers attitude, desire, knowledge and support
coupled with a staff that compliments the atmosphere create the scene for
many successes. I have a staff willing to learn and encourage...and yes,
there will always be a few that are hard to change 100%...but, in comparison
to other facilities I have visited...we do a darn good job.
5) "And then we need to offer appropriate follow-up by a lactation consultant
in the event that difficulties arise after discharge."
"Appropriate follow-up by LCs is the plan of care that facilitates the
ability to breastfeed in the event that a sleepy baby persists or
difficulties with latch-on persist beyond the first few days of life. "
Follow-up phone calls are made and an open line 24/7 is available to ensure a
helpline when needed. A list of resources available in our area has been
available for a long time as well. Mothers are encouraged to call and return
visit for problems ...no one is purposely left in the cold. Our physicians
are updated with necessary info when a concern arises. These particular
situations have been a tremendous tool in their education.
In an ideal situation, no breastfeeding mother would need a pump or
device. But, our world is not perfect and having options available can make
the difference between success or failure....whatever that definition would
be.
Sharon Lemon, RN, IBCLC
Geneva, IL
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