Hi, Mary. We have mandatory bf classes where I work, simply because I
can't be here 24/7 and the nurses have to be able to assist the moms on a
basic level--not give a bottle and tell them that I'll be in in the morning.
You are right, many nurses do resent the training, but I help them let their
guard down in the beginning of the class. I first ask everyone to introduce
themselves and tell their thoughts on bf. When someone gives an anti-bf
response, then I know where I sit with that person, and I try to meet them
where they are so that they will be willing to learn from me. I guess it's
like the Best Start method to teaching bf moms--find out what their
objections are, acknowledge how they feel, and then give them a quick
educational tip on the expressed concern. I also play alot of games--like
the Breastfeeding Game (Linda Smith). They have so much fun--whether they
like bf or not. I've gotten many evals that say I thought I knew it all
before I came, but I learned so much or I had so much fun.
Joyce
-----Original Message-----
From: Mary Herrington
To: [log in to unmask]
Sent: 11/21/04 4:16 PM
Subject: Re: LACTNET Digest FRUSTRATIONS NICU NURSES
Chris wrote about nicu nurses and asked "How can I change attitudes?"
that is THE question isnt it?
As an L&D nurse, I have to deal with the majority of nurses around me
who are blatantly anti- breastfeeding- - but we have to remember that
often these nurses attitudes have taken a lifetime to formulate- and
there really isnt any way we change their attitude- THEY have to decide
to change it themselves- so how can we do that? how can we give them the
info and tools to want to change their attitude regarding infant
feeding?
well- I would politely assert that "mandatory classes" on breastfeeding,
as someone else suggested, is not the way to change someones
fundamental attitude on breastfeeding. Giving already overworked and
overtired nurses mandatory classes on something they already resent is
not going to change their attitude on a subject except to help them
further resent it. we all know one takes their baggage into any class
and filters thru the info presented with tinted glasses.
unless you get some fantastic speaker with a really unique approach- its
just going to be the same old BF propaganda to them.
I choose my battles- I stongly suggest discussing the specifc incidents
with the nurses themselves- deal with it head on with individual nurses
involved- this shows them that you care and will take time out of your
life to discuss their/hear concerns- and do just that-- ask them why
they didnt get an LC consult sooner/ why they gave the bottle etc. try
to get specifics and deal with those. usually nurses want specfic help
on an issue/bf technique- practical tips they can use with their
patients next time- I love sharing bf timesavers. I tell them to put a
sleepy baby skin to skin for 30 minutes and go off and get something
else done- they love that!
as for the posters- this nurse is just like so many i work with- she
probably calls you a "Nipple Nazi" behind your back or worse. For me, I
have chosen to use humor as often as i can- and its not being wimpy- its
because I see this as a long term struggle and a cause that is worth
fighting for on a broader scope. With humor we can win people over so
easily and they usually arent even aware they are being "persuaded"
while they are laughing.
I am gradually seeing a difference in attitudes of the L&D and nursery
nurses I work with by doing 2 things-
1.getting "over it" and just laughing things off stupid comments
instead of always responding with my 100 reasons to breastfeed mantra
and
2. putting my body where my mouth is-- they all know when I'm working
and a mom/baby is having trouble breastfeeding- they can ask me to go in
and help- and I will- even though I am not getting paid any extra and it
puts my other work behind-- but I do it- every time I am asked
you see- this is the bottom line- a breastfeeding patient costs a nurse
time-- and anyone who has ever worked as a nurse should know that time
is everything-- you have to get all your work and charting done in a
specified amount of time- or you stay late! (or you dont have enough
time to sit at the desk and chat and eat donuts with your nursy buddies-
i know!)
either way- the no 1 complaint I find from the aniBF nurses is that it
takes them so much time helping these primips to bf-- and so these
simpletons dont see why they should bother. I really have tried to
gauge my adversaries- i mention that Jesus was breastfed quite often
when I can work it into the conversation- my tactic is to kindly and
gently share the normalcy and joy of breastfeeding with them and over
time I feel many will come to know that it is worth the bother for
themselves and for their patients.
in the meantime- be there when they call- the best way to motivate them
to "care" about breastfeeding is to demonstrate your conviction and
expose them to positive bf experiences as often as possible.
(jumping off my very tall soap box, ouch!)
Mary HerringtonRN, L&D, lactating as I type
St Lukes CMC The Woodlands
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