Thank you to everyone who has responded to my inquiry. I am pretty much up to
date on the "research" but what I was looking for is something in "clear"
language that can help moms understand what the differences are between these
babies and a "term" baby. As Dr Tiemann (my dear friend and former colleague)
points out, it can be difficult to choose words that don't make a negative impact
when discussing issues with moms. I get lots of highly motivated moms,
"yuppies" (sorry, don't mean to offend but I can't think of anything more
descriptive or PC right now) who have read - no bottles, no formula, shouldn't need to
pump...blah, blah" and when I try to explain the developmental differences in
feeding and behaviors, it challenges them. Sometimes I get a defensive "oh no
she's not early" or "oh, no she feeds well for 15-20 on each breast" and I
observe a poor suck, inconsistent rhythm and less than optimal swallowing. Fine
line to tread, eh? Our hospital has NOT had a LC for almost 2 1/2 years and I am
starting from scratch in some areas. There is a Level 3 NICU that does NOT
support Kangaroo Care, advocates bottle feeding over breast and essentially
promotes pumping and bo feeding, but with NO pump rental program. Working on these
issues on 20 hours a week is daunting! I can use all the suggestions and
encouragement I can get!
Thanks,
Mary Kay Smith, RN, IBCLC
Canton MI

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