Hi Netters,

--Where are you Jan Barger??? You might have already posted this, but anyway
(as I am gathering my overheads for my lecture next week) "Mothers who
breastfeed immediately after birth BF longer than mothers who must wait 12 to
16hrs after delivery".  Those that BF in birthing room:  77% still were  BFat
2 months vs BF that was initiated at 12-16hrs after birth:  27% were still BF
at 2 months.  From Sousa, International Congress of Pediatrics, Brazil, 1974.
--For a simple sheet to handout for the working mother and BF, Jan Barger and
I wrote the tearoff sheet that is available at Medela "Go Back to Work and
Continue to Breastfeed?  Yes, You Can!".  You can order a pad of 100 tear
sheets, English, Spanish, French, Article # 193.7005 or # 193.7006,
1-800-435-8316.
--Ruth,  the "Medela Breastpumping Solutions"  was not designed for the pump
rental stations, but to help  women (and husbands) at the retail level.  For
a multifacet way to assist in solving problems ie- mom sends husband out to
store to get something for her sore nipples.  He (a real common situation)
will look on the shelves for something to "cure" her sore nipples, breast
engorgement, insufficient milk supply, latch-on problems, etc.  It is not to
replace the LC.  The ideal would be to call or see a LC.  Realistically,
husbands, mothers, mother-in-laws, etc. are sent to the store to get the
quick fix.  The Breastpumping Solutions is only to assist these individuals
at the retail level.  On the first page and on the following pages it does
suggest to contact your healthcare professional and/or breastfeeding
specialist for help.  Please e-mail me with any questions.
--Mentoring.  I feel mentoring is excellant, I sure wish I had one.  I moved
to Chicago 13years ago from Calif.  Being the first LC in the midwest, I had
MANY people calling me and following me around for the next several years.  I
really did not mind it at first, but as some of you have said, it can become
a bit overwelming.  I even had nursing students and graduate students sent to
me.  I think a small "consulting" fee should be ased for or donation of their
time to assist you in some "paper or whatever" work.  That way it can be a
win-win situation and you do not have to feel the pressure or guilt of saying
(or not saying) yes and wondering where and the heck are you going to ever
find the time.
--Traveling with breastmilk.  When I use to direct the Chicago Milk Bank, I
would get dry ice from Baskin Robins Ice Cream store, wrap it up in paper
bags, place in white styrofoam chests with the frozen breastmilk and ship it
off.  I would suggest this also to sales women on the road and to airline
stewardesses when traveling with fresh pumped milk.  Some hotels have
actually accommendated some mothers and allowed them to store the milk in the
freezor or refrigerator.  I have some good stories about that.
--Today I attended a "Avoiding Malpractice" conference here in Chicago area.
 How scary.  Hope all you RN/LCs have professional liability insurance.  I
sure will hesitate now to tell anyone I am a nurse if anyone is asking or
needing help.  Once you acknowlede you are a nurse and begin assisting, you
are liable to complete it.  You are fine as long as you practice under your
state's practice act and within your scope of practice.  Good stuff on
documentaion, informed consents, sharing legal responsibility.  Highly
recommend the conference!!!!!!!! It is past midnight, gotta go to bed.

Pat Bull, RN, IBCLC
The Breastfeeding Connection/Medela, Inc
Naperville, IL