andrea
i do f/u calls. i shoot for day 4. since i do not work the weekend, it 
sometimes is day 3 or 5. i call almost all moms. if it is a multipara, 
experienced breastfeeder w/ no problems i will note that she will call me 
prn (as needed). moms usually agree w/ this. a primip or anyone who is not 
nursing easily i will call. sometimes there are 'token breastfeeders' who 
despite all my efforts are mostly bottle feeding. sometimes i will ask them 
to call me prn and i do give anticipatory guidance re engorgment as they are 
at higher risk for this of course.

Here are the questions I ask, more or less in this order. It usually takes 
only a minute or two if all is ok. if there are problems, i will do a call 
back or ask mom to call me next day or offer an outpatient appointment of 
course or advise a ped's visit if something is really amiss.

How are you and baby Joey doing? I'm calling to check on how things are 
going with bf.
Did your milk come in? How are you doing with that? any problems w/ 
engorgement?
do you know the baby's discharge wt? (i compare to b.wt if known).
How is the baby feeding? (patterns, times)
have you noticed the wet and dirty diapers increasing like we talked about? 
about how many wet and dirty diapers in the last 24 hrs? (i ask for 
descriptions like colors, amts for both wets and dirties)
any signs of jaundice in the baby? (i describe if they don't know what it 
is)
do you have any  problems with soreness or cracks, blisters, bruises, cuts 
on the nipples?
is the baby taking only the breast or is the baby taking any water or 
formula or anything else? (explore and discuss)
are you pumping for any reason? (explore and discuss)

I've posted on this before, you may be able to find more in the archives. 
f/u calls are extremely important in my opinion. i have caught alot of 
babies in trouble who would not be seen by the doctor for a week or more. i 
have gotten moms in and corrected poor latches etc easily.


Laurie Wheeler, IBCLC, MN, RN
New Orleans Louisiana, s.e. USA

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