I just got back from the NCAST training - interesting to hear people from
OTHER disciplines lecture on the same thing.  

- Observing babies for CUES that they are hungry and CUES that they are
full or need a break
- Observing then teaching moms how to respond to these cues
- Teaching the importance of learning how babies communicate - and
understanding that some babies give clearer cues than others.
- Teaching moms of the infant states - and how to help the baby get from
one to another (ex: don't try to feed when baby is in deep sleep OR in
crying state).

I am now to teach this to the Public Health Nurses - however, just like
breastfeeding - some will find this "too much of a chore in addition to all
the other work we do" others will embrace it as another way to teach
mother/baby or father/baby interactions.

Truth is, when I work with a breastfeeding mom,  I not only  stress the
skills and tricks of breastfeeding - but also the value of the mother/baby
interaction and how special they are to each other.  In that way, even if
they do stop breastfeeding, I hope they will remember things like:
"your baby is NOT a "mini-adult" - he still needs to be held, to hear you,
to smell you, to feel you nearby, and he is not trying to manipulate you by
asking to be held.
"skin to skin contact is very important for ALL human beings
"talk to your baby, sing, dance, be WITH your baby (even complain about the
food or the work, he won't care) but he will be learning your language and
how to interact with you

I sure wish I could hear Dr. Laura (US Radio-commentator who is being
criticized because she promotes "being my kids mom" as an important job)
tomorrow - another study with a headline as to how children are not hurt by
having moms and dads both work outside the home.  I'm afraid it's true -
we've sold out to those who say we HAVE to work and MUST put infants and
small children in child care centers... many of which are not much better
than the descriptions of the orphanages in Romania.  I just learned of one
place moms were taking their children - 12 children under 3 with ONE
caretaker.  At least these children do get a chance to go home with mom and
dad - who are probably so tired and stressed they can't wait to put the
kids to bed so they can have some time to themselves.  So much for watching
for cues and infant states!

Jeanette Panchula, BSW, RN, IBCLC
Vacaville, CA
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