Regarding jennifer south's post about a response she received on parenting
board (hospital based IBCLC going into a formula feeder's room):



I certainly wouldn't go into the artificial feeder's room to teach her how
to bottle feed either! I think Jennifer's "friendly welcome and I'm here if
you need me type thing" can open the discussion for a non-threatening
(certainly-don't-want-to-make-her-feel-guilty [tongue in cheek here J])
exploration of why is she not breastfeeding? It might be a chance to dispel
myths ("well I can't breastfeed because I'm going back to work in 6 weeks"
[in the U.S mind you]/ "I'm taking such-and-such medication"/ "I smoke"/ "my
breasts will sag"/ "my breasts are too small"). or perhaps find out some
sexual abuse in her past that now makes the idea of breastfeeding
frightening/repulsive/traumatic-but maybe she'll consider pumping her milk
for the baby?



When I worked at a postpartum care/breastfeeding clinic in WA (USA), the
first LC to check in with a non-breastfeeder (to "put in a plug for
breastfeeding" as jennifer's responder says. hah) could gauge whether this
mom was adamant ("don't bother me, don't try to change my mind, please put a
sign on the door or a note on your report sheet that I DO NOT want any other
LC to visit") and would pass along to the following LCs that mom was
vehemently opposed/absolutely positively had her mind made up/told the RN to
tell the LC she would slam the door in the LC's face if she ever came back.
OR whether the mom simply needs education and support and would eventually
come to her senses J. especially if the NEXT LC feigned ignorance and popped
in for a visit with a "known" non-BFer, supposedly unaware that mom "wasn't
BFing," and then act surprised ("oh, you're NOT BF? that's too bad. (pause,
let it sink in). sorry, didn't know....won't take up your time then but I'll
just leave my info if you have any questions. but before I go do YOU have
any questions for me?") and then subtly, gently explored mom's "reasons"..or
mentioned to mom that when her breasts are uncomfortably full in a few days
(all that milk and no place for it to go), that she might consider letting
baby nurse J.. and maybe mom will admit, "well I actually did kind of want
to try BF but all my friends told me how hard it would be.." and tah-dah,
soon have mom and baby happily breastfeeding..



Tired and babbling incoherently at 2am in chipiona spain,

Vicki hayes, rn ibclc, mom of 3 boys








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