I am a hospital-based LC who also would not be comfortable having this baby go any longer without feeding. This baby did not latch and feed for 2 days and the mother and father were unable to judge effective latch and breastfeeding. I am thinking of "Rule #1 Feed the baby" (Coach Smith), and "a baby who doesn't feed can't feed" (Barbara Wilson-Clay). This baby had lost considerable weight. She was being discharged, so would not be monitored by knowledgeable people. She is in danger of spiraling downward and then not having the energy to work to achieve good feeding. Working in a hospital setting, with clients who have a variety of motivation and knowlege, is different than working with clients who seek out BF help on an outpatient basis. I have heard from LC's who have worked mostly in the community and then move into a hospital setting. They are amazed at the difference in challenges they face there. Each client, each situation, each breastfeeding must be evaluated on an individual basis. I love to hear other suggestions from Lactnet members about specific situations, but we need to trust the LC working with the BF couplet to make the right decisions. Barb Berges BS, RN, IBCLC Rochester, New York *********************************************** 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