Brenda,
In a message you wrote: Subject: Suggestions for a new hospital Bfdg Center?
" - we worry that the nursing staff may begin relying so heavily on our
*expertise* that they will stop trying to do the things that they are just as
capable of teaching,i.e. positioning, latch on, feeding cues, etc., and call
on us for anything related to breastfeeding. We want to nip this in the bud
before it becomes out of control. Any suggestions??"

Yes. When someone calls you for help that you feel they can provide ask what
suggestions they gave to the mother so far, be very encouraging by restateing
and expanding on the appropriate advice they gave to far, then give
suggestions for further advice, support, techniques, intervention. Encourage
the provider of care to call back for more discussion, making it clear you
are interested in follow-up so she won't hesitate to call. ie: LC to bedside
RN;
" Oh, I'm glad you picked up on that", noticed that, caught that, brought
that up, etc.
"What has she tried so far?" " Has anything helped so far?"
"Yes, thats just what I would have suggested" "oh yes that should help"
"Let me know how that goes", or "Call me back if that doesn't work"
"I can't come right now, suggest 1,2, and 3. You know her best, do you think
that will work for her? Does she have the info sheet on that? Ask her support
person in the room to read over it today before they go home. I'll check with
you after class"

Also, at the next staff meeting give staff a clearer understanding of the LC
role you are working toward. Investigate what the staff thinks would be
helpful to them for this to progress ie; What inservices would be helpful.
Would love to hear other suggestions and what works for others. It's an
ongoing process.

Deborah Tobin
Springfield VA