As regards the several postings on postnatal learning: the issue here, as I
see it, is compounded by two factors: (a) medicated deliveries and (b) very
early discharge.
In supervised research I've recently completed, on postwar Queensland
women, 1945-1965, I notice that the oral advice given in hospital stuck with
them very clearly, perhaps more so that the material they read. These are
women I interviewed 35-50+ years after the birth of the first baby. The
reason why they absorbed the learning done in the hospital was that,
(a) in the early postwar years mothers stayed in the hospital for 10 days
(7-10 days, later in the 20-year period), and
(b) the learning was reinforced by *doing*, repeatedly, under supervision,
over the 10 days.
Medicated deliveries were common then, too ("twilight sleep", forceps), but
mothers were in hospital for a number of days after the drugs wore off.
They had time to develop the learning into a habit.
What postwar learned to do as a breastfeeding regimen was far from
perfect (feeds restricted by duration and interval, washing the nipples, no
rooming in, no night feeds). However, the fact I want to make is, they
learnt by repetition and doing, over a period of time.
For women on early discharge, we need to find ways to provide daily
support, including observed feeds, after discharge, to replicate some of
this learning environment. Perhaps some one has some creative ideas on how
to recreate a suitable learning environment at hoem, after discharge. Peer
counsellor programs come to mind.
If anyone want to discuss this, please email me privately. I have
family coming to stay and am going "no mail" after they arrive.
Best wishes,
Virginia
Virginia Thorley
Brisbane, Australia
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