Dear Anne, Jan & all,

I too have to be an advocate for the NICU babies whose mothers want to
breastfeed.  I have actually been yelled at by a NICU nurse for "ruining" the
feedings for a baby receiving ABM when I accidently went into the wrong room
and started talking about the benefits of breastfeeding and the mother
changed her mind.

However I find that when I make routine swings through the NICU and get
information on their tiny patients to find out the facts so I have a
realistic idea on how to prepare mom for what will be needed for a successful
pumping/nursing experience, I have been able to worm my way into their good
graces.  I frequently am the first to tell them that mom does want to
breastfeed.  I also bring in fresh EBM and on a one-to-one basis can convince
them that since the feeding is only 1-3 hours away it is more work to cool it
and then have to warm it up again and wave a copy of Pat Bulls research in
their faces.  It's not always successful but in showing them that I respect
the job they have to do I gain respect for what I'm trying to do.  I'm
finding a greater percentage of breastfeeding in our unit.

Just keep on slogging up the hill,
Sharon Coe LVN IBCLC