In reference to the recent post about delivery routines, here are some
thoughts to ponder the next time you encounter these delivery room barriers
to breastfeeding (from an L & D nurse)

"Admitting care"  tends to delay first feeds-neonatal assessment can be
done on mom's  chest or abdomen.  She's the best warmer.  A systematic
assessment may increase our efficiency and decrease omissions but at what
price to mother and baby?  Some interventions can be delayed (like eye
ointment, Vitamin K and the like) How many hospitals still perform gastric
suctioning on a routine basis?  Do they know the hazards of this practice,
which, BTW, is NOT recommended by the AAP?

We need to balance convenience with humanistic care and focus on  whose
needs are really being served.  Changing our practices requires no new
equipment or architectural changes.  It requires a change in our behavior
based on the recognition of the importance of the birth experience so that
we can optimize first feedings.  This is my favorite topic to speak on and
L & D and nursery nurses love it (NOT!).  Well, it makes them think
anyway... ;-)

Maurenne Griese, RNC, BSN, CCE, CBE
Birth and Breastfeeding Resources  http://www.childbirth.org/bbfr
Manhattan, KS  USA
[log in to unmask]