There has recently been a lot of conflict amongst doctors and
midwives at our local hospital on the issure of  a healthy full term
baby refusing to initially breastfeed.  I am hoping to finally get
some agreement from all concerned on this one, and would like some
input from the Lactnet Crew if possible.  I feel that to offer the
baby the breast as soon as possible after birth and thereafter every
3-4 hours is the way to do it.  If the baby refused, no big deal, it
should not be fed or forced onto the breast.  I am happy to try this
for 12 hours.  I am a little concerned what to do after this time.
The hospital wants to stop the use of blood glucose levels for the
reason that apparently on the side of the glucometer it says that the
machine is not suitable for neonates.  I myself am not entirely happy
to have in the protocol "if the baby is clinically well, leave it for
a further.... hours".  Everyones interpretation of "clinically well"
will differ, I am sure.  After that, what is the baby fed?  Formula?
Glucose Water?  EBM if possible of course.  And what about the
method?  Cup?  Finger?  Dropper?  Spoon?  Bottle?  The more help I
get on this, the better I will feel.  The recent case of a baby at
our hospital not being fed for 36 hours has highlighted the need for
a better protocol.  There were some very upset midwives out there who
shed a lot of tears due to feeling that the Mum and her baby were
mismanaged.  Any opinions would be appreciated.
Val in Busselton, WEstern Australia
RN RM IBCLC