Our in hospital teaching protocol is very limited.  We teach alerting the
baby, signs of a good latch-on (nipples round, not pinched), signs of infant
intake visible/audible swallowing), hand expression/breast massage, and
comfortable positioning.  We have our own hand-outs which contain pcitures of
good latch-on and positioning, a "when to ask for help" sheet, a sheet on
preventing sore nipples, a sheet on preventing/treating engorgement, and
feeding diary for 4 days.  We also give out a second hand-out with info for
mothers returning to work.  We give the Breastfeeding HelpLine number for
further help which put them in touch with our outpatient services.  I agree
that moms are not capable of retaining much info, you have to involve the
family.  I often remind mother (especially if the first) that its like
learning to drive a car or dance (sometimes it takes more time than other
times and every time you get a new car or a new partner you have to make
adjustments).  The KISS rule applies here.  And humor with a low sense of
your own self-importance is also important.  Most of us, I''ll bet, consider
helping mothers to breastfeed is not just a job but a mission.  Finding fresh
new ways to carry out that mission is what keeps us from burning out.  If you
look at the difficult road, you can get discouraged.  But I remind myself,
even a birthday candle shines a very bright light in a very dark place!

Jane Kershaw  mailto:  [log in to unmask]