Recently, I was trained in the use of the NCAST Feeding and Teaching
Scales.  Despite being a nurse, LC and mother of 4 breastfed children, I
was amazed at how much I did not know about infant state regulation
and non-verbal communication.  Having this new knowledge has proved
quite useful when assisting breastfeeding mothers.  I now spend time
teaching moms about their infant's cues, and they are delighted.

I think of all those babies I've worked with over the years who are
refusing the breast.  When watching moms you can identify those that in
their eagerness to have the baby attach and do well, have pushed too
hard instead of listening to the infant.  Now we have a situation where
the baby arches away from the breast and screams, or completely shuts
down.  I wonder how many of these problems could have been avoided
by educating mothers and staff nurses about infant state, engaging and
disengaging infant cues.

If you'd like more information re: the NCAST tools or the video series
"Keys to Caregiving" contact [log in to unmask]  An excellent
speaker from this program is Anita Spietz,RN,MN.  She can be reached at
[log in to unmask]  Phone # (206)543-8528.