First an introduction. Have been enjoying reading on Lactnet for few
weeks now. Am an RN and '96 graduat of BSC LC course. Still accumulating
hours to sit the certification exam. Should be ready in next couple of
months.
Jan Barger's assessment is right on. As L&D nurse in small community
hosp, I've seen babies aggressively suctioned with bulb syringes, then
tried to help the mother with breastfeeding the next day (initial
feedings going very well, then about 12 hours out baby snorts and pulls
away from breast after few sucks). Have also seen babies who were doing
fine until after discharge, same scenario, only to learn baby was being
suctioned by mother who thought baby had cold (at 3-4 days of age?)
because he was sneezing.
As is true in so many aspects of breastfeeding, more education is
needed, for parents as well as medical personnel.
Mary Anne B.