Judy asks < do others think/find/ have opinions on the scenario
possibilities that it is preferable to have baby getting AIM by syringe
versus EBM/colostrum by bottle >
I think all hospitals have protocols for supplements and they are
likely to be different depending on how supportive the staff is,
particularly the pediatricians.

JHL has a wealth of information about when , what and how to
supplement and some studies about the results of supps in
the early days (eg The effect of feeding glucose water to
breastfeeding newborns on weight, body temperature, blood
glucose and breastfeeding duration.  JHL Sept  1997)

There have also been some Consultants Corners on this topic
(JHL June 98)  and some interesting assessment tools for
evaluating hospital breastfeeding policies and practices.
(2 in JHL March 96)

I think most of us would agree that supplements are given too soon
and too often and that we should trust the mother more and spend
more time helping to get breastfeeding established.

Dr Jack also has a useful "Postpartum breastfeeding decision tree'
in JHL June 1996.  I think Jackie Glover had one published also.

My preference would be to give expressed colostrum by spoon
or cup on day one if baby is not taking the breast, but I would also
seek out other experienced lcs to help mom with latching.
Sometimes it takes a team effort.

Ruth Bacon  IBCLC

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