Marsha wrote of restrictions being put on to her practice by the neonatologist:
<What this means, in effect, is that if we can't get baby to breast before
they send it home without this help, they want it sent home on the bottle.>

Marsha I feel the power is then over to the parents.  They're on their way
home and surely can do whatever they want to do to feed their infant.

I'd say something along the lines of:  Well you're on your way home
now.  Baby is feeding really well using xyz, but unfortunately I'm not
permitted to send this one home with you.  Your choices for feeding baby
are abc, xyz or a bottle.  These are the advantages and problems with each
of them - the choice is yours.  And here is where you can buy the equipment
you'll need for your choice.

Actually this should be the management of her regardless.  What she may be
happy to do in hospital she may not want the 'hassle' of at home, and she
should be given all the alternatives with their pros and cons.

Since writing the above I've read Jan's posts - somewhat along the same lines.

Someone (maybe jan) mentioned this would be 'sneaky'.  I don't see it that
way at all.  You are a professional in your own right with your own body of
knowledge and expertise.  No one from any other profession has any right to
tell you that you can't say something to a parent that you know to be
correct and is within your professional arena.  I don't like the attitude
that a woman 'belongs' to any particular professional who can say what
information she can or can't have.

I can imagine what that woman would say a couple of weeks down the track
when she finds out from another source that she could have continued with
xyz.  It would be highly derogatory of the LC for not telling her that, not
the neonatologist.

Hope our opinions have helped you Marsha.
Denise

********************************************************
Denise Fisher BN RN RM IBCLC
BreastEd Online Lactation Studies Courses
Internet-delivered courses for Health Professionals
mailto:[log in to unmask]
http://www.BreastEd.com.au

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