Hi all,
        I just received my latest issue of JOGNN (for those of you that are not in
the US or are not nurses- that is the Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic,
and Neonatal Nursing. It is the publication of AWHONN.) I am amazed (more
like appalled) at the research article on Bottle Feeding Histories of
Preterm Infants.
        I am not naive! I know that there will always be bottle-feeding infants. I
just feel that studies of predicting when premies will be "ready to bottle
feed" and using full bottle feeds as a criteria for when NICU babies are
ready for discharge is so entrenched in our NICU's as is.( There are some
wonderful NICU's that practice baby-friendly techniques and I applaud
them!!) I am afraid this article will just firmly plant this belief even
more. Nurses that read it will become even more part of this bottle/formula
culture. ( I feel that I am preaching to the choir here- sorry).
        I can't help but think of Jay's situation with the premie that got formula
against mom's wishes and doctor's orders. This to me is proof of this long
standing belief of bottles/ABM as a way to feed premies. ( By the way Jay,
how are things going?)
        Yes, I have been a long time member of AWHONN and a reader of their
Journal. It is curious that in this July/Aug issue there is no mention that
I see of World Breast Feeding Week. There is also no IBCLC on there
editorial board. Please help me to understand if you think I am overacting.
I am planning to write to the journal and to AWOHNN.
        For those of you that want to read the article it is in JOGNN Vol 26
Number 4 July/Aug 1997:pp. 414-420.

Bottle-Feeding Histories of Preterm Infants- A Morbidity rating scale, The
Neonatal Medical Index, was found to predict a preterm infant's ability to
start bottle and may be helpful in establishing critical pathways for these
infants.
Rita H Pickler, Anne G. Mauck, Bethany Geldmaker

        I have to wonder if the professional association of women's
health,obstetric and neonatal nurses is not fully committed to promoting,
protecting and supporting breastfeeding, what can we expect from others in
healthcare and from the public?
        Just my .02 cents and humble, humble opinion.
                        Jodi Smart, RN, IBCLC
                        [log in to unmask]
                        in hot, steamy Port St. Fl.