Dear friends,
Nikki Lee writes that a sleepy newborn is not a normal variant with in the
first couple of days but is the result of the interventionist state of
childbirth   in our society. Thus extreme (?) sleepiness is the result of the trauma
brought on by this.
Mardrey than goes on to write about her experiences with *natural* childbirth
and the fact that many of these babies ARE sleepy, have latch problems and
continued difficulty with breastfeeding. My experiences are very similar to
Mardrey's. For example, her descriptions of the disorganized (for lack of a better
word!) types of rooting/sucking patterns and their correlation to inutero
habits are beautifully described, right on and, again, often work themselves out
with a little help and patience-milk comes in!
Obviously a non respectful approach to childbirth has its repurcussions BUT
having worked at a free standing birth center with little or no intervention
and a very respectful approach some babies had "issues".   Yes newborns will
retreat into their shell if stressed but isn't birth a generically stressful
experience? A baby's ability to deal with the varying degrees of stress is
determined by many,many factors some of which are unrelated to what us ancillary
people *do* (or don't do :).
I also love Mardrey's idea of tracking medicated vs. nonmedicated deliveries
and the incidence of latch issues-keep it up and publish-please!.
Lynn Shea Rn,Bsn,Ibclc
Franklin,Massachusetts

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