>Date:    Tue, 1 Aug 2000 16:56:06 -0400
>From:    Marie Biancuzzo <[log in to unmask]>
>Subject: Re: "helping" in the hospital

>"Holding off the nurses" is not necessarily useful"

Surely we know, by now, that not all RNs are bad and useless, and maybe
have to admit that some LCs are not helpful for particular mothers.
There are so many variables, many simply in attitude. When I was in the
hospital having my twins seven years ago the head of maternity came in
the first night and woke us up because being in bed together wasn't the
safe. The second night they had called in extra staff, an RN from peds.
I remember her saying, "well bless your heart!" and tucking us all in
comfortably, with pillows up against those awful metal side bars. She
was obviously not a trained LC, probably breastfed her own kids. All
that counted, then, was attitude. I know she wasn't involved in latching
the baby on, but grandmothers, friends, LLLL's and others have helped
mothers, too, you know, and sometimes having expert help with the first
latch is only a small part of what becomes a big puzzle, and continuing
support from any supportive people are key.
I wouldn't want us to become simplistic, or territorial, and think that
only people in one category can help, or naive and think that no help is
necessary. That's like saying BF is natural, or birthing is natural, so
then, what? No midwives? No LLL? No LCs? BTDT; let's remember it takes a
village to support a mother as she raises her child.
Jo-Anne

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