I would really be happy if I could make it through a reasonable length of
time before I hear of another person in a position of influence provide
inaccurate information. I know it will not happen for years, but I don't
usually get to hear of recomendations so out there I get worried. It has
come to my attention, unfortunately, 3rd hand (meaning I was called to deal
with this if I can by someone who was told about it through a second
person---did that make sense?) Anyway, it seems there is a new midwife in my
area who is instructing moms to "create a new nipple hole with a sterile
needle" so they will be able to get more milk . EEEEKKS OUCH OUCH OUCH.
Now, you would think no one would see this as a logical thing to do, but
.......from what I was told at least 2 women have tried this and while they
are in pain, there is of course, no new nipple hole. Now, I am more than
happy to confront this new midwife in a very constructive way, but I
requested either a mom who tried this be asked to contact me or the original
midwife who heard this horror from the mom contact me. I do not feel it
would be very professional to just call this woman and say "hey, uhhh, are
you REALLY telling moms to pop a new hole in their nipples? " It seems a
midwife already tried to handle this with someone and was told to back off,
it is a cultural belief she has and show some respect. Okay, I am all for
respecting culture, but, if it was her culture to sew vaginas closed until
due dates, would we not correct her? Perhaps I am being a little overly
sensitive, but do we only correct dangerous misinformation if it directly
affects our field. Geez, now all I do is sit and wonder how many women are
boiling needles. Can I just get her number and call her and flat out ask her
about this and then educate nicely? I don't think I can just let this go and
wait and see if someone else deals with it, I am so shocked that this is even
a cultural behavior somewhere and I honestly say I am so sorry for any women
who are doing this as part of their culture--sounds like a big OUCH OUCH OUCH
to me.
What do you think, wait, investigate, pursue???
Pam Mazzella DiBosco, IBCLC Thinking I am glad we only use needles on
artificial
nipples in my
culture.
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