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Date: | Tue, 9 Sep 1997 09:05:06 -0400 |
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Our in hospital teaching protocol is very limited. We teach alerting the
baby, signs of a good latch-on (nipples round, not pinched), signs of infant
intake visible/audible swallowing), hand expression/breast massage, and
comfortable positioning. We have our own hand-outs which contain pcitures of
good latch-on and positioning, a "when to ask for help" sheet, a sheet on
preventing sore nipples, a sheet on preventing/treating engorgement, and
feeding diary for 4 days. We also give out a second hand-out with info for
mothers returning to work. We give the Breastfeeding HelpLine number for
further help which put them in touch with our outpatient services. I agree
that moms are not capable of retaining much info, you have to involve the
family. I often remind mother (especially if the first) that its like
learning to drive a car or dance (sometimes it takes more time than other
times and every time you get a new car or a new partner you have to make
adjustments). The KISS rule applies here. And humor with a low sense of
your own self-importance is also important. Most of us, I''ll bet, consider
helping mothers to breastfeed is not just a job but a mission. Finding fresh
new ways to carry out that mission is what keeps us from burning out. If you
look at the difficult road, you can get discouraged. But I remind myself,
even a birthday candle shines a very bright light in a very dark place!
Jane Kershaw mailto: [log in to unmask]
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