I would like to point out that the fear of negative reinforcement,
breastfeeding=pain, is based on a behaviorist model of interpreting
human responses. This does not account for the many additional ways in
which we, including babies, process and represent our experiences. The
lack of complexity is one of the primary flaws in the model, but it is
so pervasive and insidious, that we don't even realize it is at work
shaping our beliefs.
The Boston study, as Anne clarifies, blocks pain due to the chemical
responses in the brain. And because infants are biologically
pre-disposed towards social interaction, breastfeeding, the ultimate
form of physiological and psychological comfort can be used as a
successful support to moderate stress, including the preparation for any
examination or procedure including circumcision. In addition, infant
learning is especially context specific, so if breastfeeding is
established as a form of comfort, it can be used as such.
My personal experience included nursing my youngest, now 8, through his
circumcision. This was not planned, but rather a spontaneous response
for his sake and mine. This did not violate the sterile field as I
simply leaned over him, as I had been when comforting him, and just
began to nurse. In fact, the doc was far from disturbed by this, but
rather relieved to have the baby relax.
Joanne McCrory, MS, CLC
Infant mental health and developmental specialist
-----Original Message-----
From: Anne Merewood [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Monday, April 15, 2002 11:24 PM
Subject: breastfeeding/pain
For the sake of clarity I would like to point out that the research
published
in Pediatrics about breastfeeding during painful procedures (by my
colleagues
at Boston Medical Center) indicates that breastfeeding is ANALGESIC in
infants. The work done by Gray, Miller, Philipp, et al indicates that
breastfeeding BLOCKS the pain (this was determined by reaction - or
lack
thereof - by the infant to heelstick while breastfeeding)
. 'Pain' (or lackthereof) was measured by a variety of indicators such
as
grimace, cry, heartrate etc. The whole point of this particular study
was
that infants do not FEEL pain if breastfeeding. If they are not feeling
the
pain, there is no bad association with the breastfeeding.
Anne Merewood IBCLC
Director of Lactation Services, The Breastfeeding Center
Boston Medical Center
>>I also agree with another poster that doing painful procedures while
> nursing would have the potential to lead to a bad association ie,
> breastfeeding=pain.>>>
***********************************************
The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned
LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(TM)
mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to:
http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html
|
