Hi, Margaret:  Our hospital has been actively promoting SSC (we call it KMC
or Kangaroo Mother Care, although dads are enthusiastically embracing it as
well) for about the last 6-8 months on the PP unit and I have begun to
notice a subtle trend towards both the staff and the parents seeming to
need less help with normal brstfdg initiation.  The concept of babies being
naturally sleepy the 1st 24 hours and the effects of many hospital routines
(circs, heel sticks) on the ability of baby to nurse are repeated and
repeated ad nauseum to the parents.  I think an attitude shift is slowly
taking place, whereas both staff and parents are becoming more comfortable
with the idea that the 1st 24-48 hours are designated by Mother Nature as a
practice time rather than how much can be stuffed into the baby.  As a
result many of our parents are spending this brstfdg practice time in a
more relaxed state, leading to a more relaxed ( and successful) brstfdg
experience for all. The docs, esp. the peds aren't getting it yet, but I
don't think they realize as yet that parents are little calmer and more
confident at that 1st doctor visit a couple of days later.
Change comes slowly, but I believe it is beginning to happen.

Pam Hirsch, RN,BSN,CLC
Clinical Lead, Lactation Services
Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital
Barrington, IL  USA

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