I strongly agree with what you all have said about avoiding negative labels,
particularly in newborn babies.  I often tell parents of "high-needs" (often
translates into likes to be held and fed frequently) babies that they are
blessed with a baby who knows what it wants!
I will say, however, that in the early days of nursing, sometimes it is a
great relief for mom to hear that it is the baby who is struggling to learn
to nurse, and not the mom who is incompetent.  Some moms feel so awful when
the first few feedings don't go well.  It seems to be a relief sometimes for
them to hear from me that baby just hasn't quite gotten the hang of it, and
we need to keep working with him.  I remind them that the baby has never
done this before, and while most babies have good natural instincts, some
need some help to learn how to nurse.  I try to then help bolster mom's
confidence that we will be able to work it out.  It seems to help especially
those moms who are telling me "I just can't do this" or "I'm no good at this."
Jennifer Tieman
Family Physician
Mom to 3, and new baby #4 expected 5/31/03

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