Marianne, our hospital pediatricians have the same "routine orders" as you
say yours do.  However, unless Mom is for some reason unable to breastfeed
(for example, she has had general anesthesia for an emergency C-section or is
eclamptic or some other serious condition) and/or the baby has some serious
condition (i.e. blood sugar below 40, severely premature, RDS, etc.) we
usually send baby out to breast rather than give the sterile or glucose
water.  So far, (crossing my fingers) there has been no problem with this.
 We are trying to get ALL of the pediatricans to understand the importance of
going directly to breast.  So far, a few have changed their orders to have
infants go directly to breast without the ridiculous first H2O feed!  What
would also help, is for the Mom's to talk with their pediatricians BEFORE the
baby arrives and learn what "routine orders" the ped. has and let them know
their wishes and what they won't comply with and why, and if nothing seems to
change their mind, change pediatricians ASAP, (of course if their insurance
will allow it).  We're trying to inform parents of this in our prenatal
classes.
To change the subject, still looking for ANYONE with any info on pierced
nipples and breastfeeding.  I am still shaking my head at why anyone would do
this to their body, but it takes all kinds I guess. It's too bad we don't all
have a looking glass to be able to look into the future and see what our
lives are going to be like later on down the road and be able to change our
minds before we do something we'll regret later. (Big sigh!)
It's been great reading all the info since I've joined Lacnet, just wanted to
say thanks to all of you.  Carol Blevins RNC BSN