Dear Rhoda, I guess when you've done this a long while you learn when to
help and when not. I remember shoving my hands deeper into the lab coat
pockets when I really just wanted to reach out and FIX IT. But I can't go
home with the mom..... I also remember that if a little judicious help
gets them off to the right start, not making the same mistake over and
over, then you give it. Do you all realize how inadequate it makes a mom
feel if you can get her baby "on" and she can't? I once had an eval and
the supervisor said I wasn't enough "hands on". I took that as a
compliment! Their idea of "hands on" was breast in one hand, baby in the
other and screw them (or mash them) together! I think with experience you
get that 6th sense of when to lend a hand and when not. It's like
everything else in life - no rules. Sincerely, Pat in SNJ