Listmates,
    Regarding the new title of "Breastapo" from the LD nurses...  Heather
and Phyllis, just hang in there and keep providing "new" information to
those nurses.  When the nurses said, "Gee, this really is heavily in favor
of breastfeeding!" you can reply, "Yes!!!  You would not believe all the new
information that scientists have discovered about breastfeeding!".
    These previously described stategies (in response to the LC who is
writing a letter to the MDs) will work VERY WELL here.  And social marketing
strategies also work.  Just remember, we weren't born craving Coke and Pepsi
(pick any other example), but with repetitive skillful marketing, those (and
other) products became desirable to the masses.
    One strategy that works very well with nurses and also hits MDs,
janitors, and anyone else who walks by the bulletin board, is to make flyers
of whatever you  covered in your inservice.  That way, whatever you said
might get forgotten or misconstrued, but papers that hang around the units
get looked at over and over and over again.  Since you already did that, you
might be surprised to see opinions start to change.  After all, you may have
really altered their entire concept of breastfeeding, so it isn't surprising
that they are reacting.  Now is the time to follow up with more info.  I
call it nuggets of info.
    Don't be suprised if in time, the concepts on your flyers will be
accepted as fact without question.  I have seen nurses' opinions change 360
degrees on a hotly contested topic in this manner.  (Not breastfeeding, but
the principle is the same).  Since they were arguing with me, I totally took
myself out of it, and just posted articles, summaries, etc everywhere.  On
the unit bathroom wall was a GREAT place, but also by the physician
dictation area, the nurses' break area, etc.  Use your imagination.  I would
not have believed it could happen (and it was NOT fast), but it did.  The
nurses who passionately argued with me and dug their heels in eventually
never seemed to remember their former opinions!!!  Suddenly, there was no
issue.
    The KEY was that the sources were scientific medical journals with
references (not me telling them!).  If the articles were long or complex, I
highlighted the important passages, and actually enlarged the print when
necessary (only posting the small part that I wanted them to see, but
referring to the whole article).  Summarizing is important, because in a
work setting, it is hard for nurses and MDs to spend more than a few seconds
glancing over material.
    Another stategy that will be appealing to the LD nurses is to emphasize
their crucial role, how they have a special bond that comes from their
intense efforts during this special time with mom.  Do remember that you are
getting a reaction because your inservice made an impact.  Sorry this is
long, but it really struck a nerve with me!  Good luck and DON'T GIVE UP!!!
    Martha Sleutel

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