Opal.
I continue to struggle with this dilemma myself. I can't tell you though,
about how many women have come to the hospital in labor and have changed
their minds to breastfeed with a little support or encouragement. I have
also run across a few people like the mom you described who get upset when
you bring up the topic of breastfeeding.
Was it just this incidence that caused the problem? Has anyone else had
this turf battle besides us in rural KS? I have heard some nurses balk at
the notion of breastfeeding rounds by an LC (or CBE in my case) because
breastfeeding education and support is "their job". Then these same nurses
are giving BF babies supplements of water or formula at night or pacifiers.
Even had a mom this week who was sent home by the discharge RN with a
nipple shield but no plans for follow-up. Arrgh! "I lit up" (in the words
of the good Dr. Jack)! Suppose I need a little *Rescue Remedy*, eh,
Chanita?
I am very disappointed that your chain of command pulled you off of
breastfeeding rounds. My stance has been and will continue to be to
provide women with an informed choice and I know I may get a handful of
staunch formula feeders upset. Darn! : )
I loved the Redbook cover and posted the info to the pnatalrn listserv for
perinatal nurses.
What a cccold and windy~~~~~~morning in Kansas ( and yes, I've had my cup
of java before composing on-line: )
Maurenne Griese, RNC, BSN, CCE, CBE
Birth and Breastfeeding Resources
Manhattan, KS USA
[log in to unmask]
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> From: Opal Horvat, LLL Leader <[log in to unmask]>
> To:
> Subject: "You made her feel guilty"
> Date: Wednesday, November 05, 1997 10:35 PM
>
> Katherine,
> You have rave notices from many who saw and heard you in Sydney!!!
> Everyone loved getting to see and hear you in action. I am jealous.
>
> I am the LC (the only one with that positional title in the hospital) at
St
> Joseph's Hospital in Paterson, NJ. However, I was hired to work for the
WIC
> Program run out of this hospital (that was started and is run for the
poor).
>
> I made rounds 3 times a week and talked to each and every mom about how
to
> manage the first weeks of breastfeeding and who to call for help. I also
> worked with the moms on positioning and latch. If someone was not
> breastfeeding, I caringly and gently informed them that it was not too
late
> to change their mind and that the reasons that breastfeeding is
recommended
> are.....blah, blah, blah.
>
> One, not so poor new mom, wrote the hospital a long typewritten note
about
> how bad she felt when I came in and gave my spiel. I am now off the
floor.
> I am not allowed to make rounds. I stay in the WIC office. Believe me
> there is so much to do there that I am constantly busy..... but, isn't it
a
> shame ! ? So many other moms don't get the timely message about
frequent,
> unlimited feedings and how to know if your baby is getting enough, etc.
>
> Months have gone by.
>
> Sincerely,
> Opal Horvat, BA, IBCLC
>
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