Several days ago I posted a happy picture of working as an LC and RN at the
same time. I'd had a lovely day working with 1 mother and baby, helping
with breastfeeding issues and taking care of her medical needs as well.
That wonderful feeling didn't last long. The trend of recent posts about
problems working with staff that undermine efforts at breastfeeding and
moms who don't really want to breastfeed (and look to any one other than
themselves to blame for failure), has hit home. I especially appreciate the
words of Elena Medo: "A simple question will separate the moms who want to
vs the moms who want a reason NOT to breastfeed". I intend to use that
question ("Who made the decision for you to breastfeed?"), if it is all
right with you Elena. As far as the staff, I am in the process of writing
research based information sheets for them to use in various situations
(I've written care plans, protocols, etc. but something more is apparently
needed). My manager can use these sheets however she wants, but I am done
with trying to change some of the attitudes I have to deal with. It has
turned into a power struggle and the mom and baby is in the middle. I'll
not be a part of that kind of war, the only loser is the patient.
So, to the Lactnetter that made the statement "You can't be both an RN and
LC at the same time (meaning on the same shift), I agree wholeheartedly
with you-this week anyhow.
Sorry to post such a negative note and rant like this, but who else will
listen? Thanks to all on Lactnet who provide the encouragement that we all
need periodically, just to keep going another day.
Mary A. Banaszewski RN, Lactation Specialist
Hastings, MN
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