Boy, Liz, can I relate!  As the full time LC who is responsible for
running our new Lactation Center (I can't even get the pumps cleaned
fast enough!) and covering the floor as much as possible Monday through
Friday, I feel very frustrated.  I just can't do what needs to be done.
I have another LC that is suppose to work two days a week, but she seems
to get pulled to Labor and Delivery most of the time.   I also have (she
just took the board exam) another nurse who is suppose to work 3 days a
week with me but also gets pulled to work mother-baby most of the time.
We are so busy, everyday, there is never a lull.  We do well over 300
deliveries each month.  85% of our moms are nursing.   I rented a pump
to a mom who was walking out of the door and the baby was not latching
on.  She will follow up with me Wed. (I am booked solid tomorrow, such a
shame, she needs help NOW). I was hired to work 36 hours per week but
usually end up with 42 hours, at least.  I rarely take a real lunch
break.  Usually calling back moms as I eat.  Today I had over 20 calls
to return.  It is what I want to do, but not the way I want to do it!  I
am keeping positive that it will improve, but don't see how it will, the
budget  within our unit isn't allowing for improvement at this time. If
I had the help during the week, the Lactation Center  wouldn't be so
booked solid at times.  I usually give these moms, who went home having
problems, a discounted price at the lactation center.

On a lighter note, my support group is growing so much (20 or more moms
with babies/toddlers) I had to add a second one each month.  It will be
geared more for 6 months and under.  The new moms are feeling a little
overwhelmed with the *activity* of the support group of all ages.  The
toddlers are lots of fun, but I am finding the newest moms need a
quieter environment to learn in.  What are other hospitals doing?  I
will still encourage them to attend the *all ages* group, they need the
role models!

Pam Hendrix, RN, IBCLC, ICCE

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