In my mind, this is not just a shield issue. In one local hospital, mothers
are frequently sent home finger-feeding babies and there is no follow-up. The
mothers never seem to know when or how to stop the finger-feeding and
transition to the breast. I do not believe it is ethical to put any
intervention in place and fail to follow up (even if that means a referral
elsewhere). Practically speaking, it can be very difficult for a mother to
even find a few minutes to brush her teeth, never mind find a phone number
and make a phone call. It is so easy to forget how overwhelming the newborn
period can be (and we are takling about preemies here, as well!). I always
consider it my obligation to follow-up with my clients. I find it disturbing
that anyone would think otherwise.
Jennifer Tow, IBCLC, CT, USA

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