Susan
Good points. I'd like to respond with my opinions on this.
You said "I'd be working to get those anti-cup and finger feed policies
changed" and I agree.
"but in the meantime I think I'd rather let them bottle feed than start a
shield [snip] If I am going to use a shield anyway....why not
use a bottle (like a Haberman, Avent...) and then work back to the breast".
Susan, I feel the shield is closer to direct bf and easier to get rid of and
transition to direct bf. And all the bottle risks are eliminated. Shields
are easy to clean etc. Also other family members will not be feeding baby
and taking away this most important role of the mother. I feel if the bottle
is started it is way too easy to keep on using.
Susan also stated "I've never seen a baby effectively extract colostrum
through a shield." Susan, when I did decide to use the shield and the baby
can not do nutritive sucking then I would have to go to plan B, so I see
your point. But I have seen the baby get the milk with the shield. Then you
ask "What about SNS at breast?" This would not work if baby could not latch.
Now I will say that often the reason for the problem in the first place are
the numerous iatrogenic barriers to bf that we see so often in the hosp
environment. The BFHI is so important.

Laurie Wheeler, RN, MN, IBCLC
Violet Louisiana, s.e. USA

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