>Dora Henschel with Sally Inch in 'Breastfeeding a guide for Midwives' says
>that 'the help given will vary.  It can take the form of:   hands on help;
>talking the mother through the positioning skill so that she manages to put
>the baby to the breast herself;   leaving her to manage by herself, if that is
>her preference.'

I would like to refine the above statement a little further.  On occasion it
has been the mother's preference that she NOT take the responsibility for
the latch on (usually because of fear of pain and/or lack of confidence).  I
am VERY uncomfortable about allowing this to continue, obviously 24 hr LC
help is not available at home. Depending upon the circumstances -- such as
if everything is in place it just needs to 'happen' -- I will dream up a
reason to leave the room just as the baby is ready to go the breast.  Quiet,
alert, hungry and fussing slightly but not crying. I return quickly if I
hear the baby cry in frustration but most often I return to see a very
happily nursing couple with a mom disbelievingly exclaiming that she 'did it
by myself'.  On other occasions I have literally sat on my hands to stop
myself from giving a little too eager help.  I am encouraging but do not
intervene unless absolutely necessary  (such assignificant pain).  Those of
you who know me will understand my need to sit on my hands -- like many
advocates I can come on too strong and must discipline my best intentions :)
>"Without interest and passion, nothing great has ever happened in history.
GWF Hegel"           Rhoda Taylor, B.A., IBCLC, Duncan, B.C., Canada<