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Date: | Tue, 13 Feb 2007 07:16:16 EST |
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Dear Friends:
I am presently reading Dr. Karp's book, Happiest Baby on the Block.
My understanding of my professional role is that I work to promote the
breastfeeding relationship. I help mothers to identify infant feeding cues, find
comfortable positions for breastfeeding, and develop various strategies to
engage with their babies. I am confused by what is said in this book.
I wonder how a baby swaddled 12-20 hours a day from birth to 4 months
(pp.120-121) can participate in relationship; although "after 1-2 months, you can
reduce the wrap time according to how calm she is without it." Dr. Karp
mentions that some babies need to be swaddled more than 20 hours a day! He
compares swaddling to time in the uterus. Does he forget that a baby in the uterus
can still move? Every mother remembering those sore spots from repeated kicking
andd the flutters of the sweet wee hands can attest to baby's activity
inside, despite the tight quarters at the end of pregnancy.
The uterus is a flexible swaddle, not a rigid one.
I am also dismayed at the material showing the difference between a 4 day
old baby (basically not much going on) and a 4 month one (p.82). After
watching and listening to Marshall Klaus describing "The Amazing Talents of the
Newborn" in a video of the same name, where babies under 2 weeks old are shown
copying maternal facial expressions, and reaching out and touching their mothers,
and engaging in play with their grandfathers, how can anyone doubt the
ability of the newborn to participate in relationship? Even a newborn can reach out
and try to grab the nipple and put it in her mouth ("Baby's Choice" video by
Ann-Marie Widstrom).
How can breastfeeding work if a baby is swaddled 12-24 hours a day? How
can healthy relationship be built if a baby is restrained?
warmly,
Nikki Lee RN, MS, Mother of 2, IBCLC, CCE, CIMI
www.breastfeedingalwaysbest.com
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