I have not written in some time, so will reintroduce myself. I am
Katherine Abdun-Nur RN, CLE from Grants Pass, Oregon and am currently
employed as the "Breastfeeding Support Services" person in our small
town hospital OB unit. I am writing in frustration today as it seems
that just when I'm starting to make headway with the staff, I find that
there is consistent undermining of the breastfeeding experience. Today
found a standard nipple assembly stuffed with cotton in an isolette with
baby given by the night nurse so that " mom could sleep ". The obvious
danger, of course, is aspiration of the cotton through the nipple hole
opening... a grave concern... as well as the issue that continues to
rankle, let the baby who wants to suck bring in his mother's milk and
suckle the breast! This particular nurse has done this once before when
the unit ran out of pacifiers and was spoken to at that time.  My Nurse
Manager is supportive of my stance but wants supportive literature. So
far, I'm not finding anything.    If one of you knows of an article that
I can access, please advise. I had time briefly in my office to scan
both Lawrence and Auerbach and didn't find anything regarding these
homemade "dummies". Thanks so much for letting me vent and TIA for any
assistance.

Katherine Abdun-Nur RN CLE (planning to sit for 97 IBCLC)