Liz, you asked,
"...have any of you, given a circumstance like this, ever offered up
information about the risks of formula use? Clearly this mom was greatly concerned
about her baby's
health: she'd made a least three phone calls with a migraine, for cryin'
out loud. But how to open the door, when she didn't ask? ("Now, allow me to
read to you from this other resource entitled 'Just One Bottle Won't
Hurt.'")"
I might call her back in an hour or two (after her Fioricet kicked in), and
check on how she was doing and then, yes, I would bring up risks of formula. I
would open with something like, "How are you feeling about using formula?
What made you feel your baby wasn't satisfied?" A brief discussion of cluster
feeding as normal, interference of milk supply with supplementing. And then
start with, "Perhaps you're unaware that formula has risks...many moms are never
informed..." (I would say this regardless of mom's response to formula use,
nonchalance or embarassed/upset). I also let moms know that because they
aren't informed of formula risks, I'm not being judgemental about their decision
to use it, but just want to give them the information. I often say that their
use of formula is water under the bridge, but from now on they can at least
make an informed decision. I've lately also asked what formula they're using
and inform them of the unknown/known additional risks of Lipil and Advance.
I've always felt that so many people have no idea that formula has risks and
moms have actually shown gratitude for the information; I'm sure, also, that
some feel guilty or angry that they didn't know this before. I've become
comfortable with my "spiel" and say it in a kind and gentle way so the information
can be heard. I admit it's easier to give this info in person, because I can
see mom's reaction and she can see mine and I might place my hand on her if
she's upset about having given formula. Over the phone though, I think it's in
ones tone of voice and how it's presented that makes a difference.
Hope this helps.
Barbara Latterner, BSN, RN, IBCLC
Brewster, NY
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