I am really envious of the NICU where Deanne practices.  I can keep dreaming
and working hard to chip away at some of the beliefs and practices that are
undermining the success of our breastfeeding Moms and babies.  I Know that
the Neonatologists really believe that what we do is "best" for the baby and
not harmful.  Our Doctors are devoted and very caring.  The problem is the
old belief...."breast is best, but formula works fine also".  We routinely
kangaroo all of our babies......5 years ago this did not happen.  So slowly
we see change.  I also believe that it is not only the Neonatologists that
undermine the success of breastfeeding.  The nurses have the greatest control
over the breastfeeding relationship.  The nurse is in a position to
facilitate the breastfeeding relationship most by encouraging kangaroo care,
supporting Mother in her pumping and maintaining milk supply, and helping her
to put the baby to breast.  The NICU is a "high tech" environment, many of
the Nurses are attracted to this aspect of the NICU.  Breastfeeding is not
"high tech" and is often not valued by the nursing staff.  I have experienced
this daily in my practice.  My goal is to continue to educate the staff and
slowly change our unit to make it much more supportive of breastfeeding.  One
day.....breastfeeding in the NICU will be the standard for all of our
babies!!!
Debby Menders RNC

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